French Louis-Philippe I 5 Francs Silver Coin, 1831-B
Coin/Bullion · Rouen Mint (indicated by the 'B' mint mark), engraved by Joseph-François Domard.
Pattern: Louis-Philippe I 'Refined Head' (Tête Laurée) coinage series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Rouen Mint (indicated by the 'B' mint mark), engraved by Joseph-François Domard.
Material
90% Silver (.900 fineness), 10% Copper. Known as 'Coin Silver'.
Dimensions
Diameter: 37 mm; Standard weight: 25.00 grams (approx. 0.7234 troy oz of pure silver).
Description
This sizable 5 Francs silver coin represents the early reign of Louis-Philippe I, 'the Citizen King'. The reverse displays the denomination '5 FRANCS' within a lush, detailed laurel wreath, symbolize victory and peace after the 1830 revolution. It represents the pinnacle of 19th-century French numismatic silver.
Key Features
Mint mark 'B', '5 FRANCS' denominations, 1831 date, laurel wreath reverse, and high silver content (.900).
Material & Composition
90% Silver (.900 fineness), 10% Copper. Known as 'Coin Silver'.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck relief with a denticulated border. Reverse features a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon, encircling the denomination. Typography is in serif block letters.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'B' for Rouen; Privy marks: Lamp of Wisdom (Mint Master mark) and Rooster (Engraver General Nicolas-Pierre Tiolier mark); Date stamp '1831'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using a steam-powered coin press (Thonnelier press technology was emerging in this era). Large planchet with a reed-edge or lettered edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the Kingdom of France; standard diameter used for circulation and international trade.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
Precision struck with well-defined laurel leaves and crisp lettering. Excellent symmetry and weight consistency characteristic of the early industrial French minting process.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the 'B' mint mark; presence of official privy marks (Lamp and Rooster); authentic die-clash marks; appropriate radial luster and edge denticles.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, specifically the Rouen Mint. French minting traditions are world-renowned for their high-relief artistry and strict weight standards.
Era & Period
July Monarchy (1830–1848), constitutional monarchy under Louis-Philippe I following the French Revolution of 1830.
Age Estimate
Dated 1831; 193 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represented the economic stability of the French middle class and served as a standard of value across Europe in the 19th century.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extra Fine (XF) range. Visible circulation wear on the high points of the wreath. Moderate toning/patina consistent with age; some surface scratches and minor rim nicks visible.
Value Estimate
$30.00 – $65.00 USD based on current silver spot price and numismatic premium for the Rouen (B) mint mark.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation. Handle by the edges using cotton gloves.
Similar Pieces
5 Francs of Charles X or Napoleon III; 5 Francs 'Hercules' type. Differences lie in the obverse portrait and the specific privy marks of various mint directors.
Interesting Facts
The 5 Franc coin was the backbone of the Latin Monetary Union; Louis-Philippe was known for being the last King to rule France, and his coinage reflected a shift toward bourgeois values.