French 100 Francs Panthéon Commemorative Silver Coin (1982)
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the oldest continuously running minting institution in the world (est. 864 AD), known for high-quality strikes and artistic medallions.
Pattern: Panthéon Commemorative Series, introduced in 1982 to mark the bicentenary of the completion of the Panthéon in Paris.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the oldest continuously running minting institution in the world (est. 864 AD), known for high-quality strikes and artistic medallions.
Material
.900 Silver (90% Pure Silver, 10% Copper), containing approximately 13.5 grams of fine silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 31.0 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm; Weight: 15.0 grams (standard for this issue).
Description
A striking example of French numismatic art, this 100 Francs silver coin celebrates the Panthéon, the final resting place of Victor Hugo, Voltaire, and Marie Curie. The design captures the grandeur of Soufflot's architecture with remarkable precision for a circulating commemorative. Its hefty silver content and large diameter make it a favorite for both silver stackers and history enthusiasts.
Key Features
The central image of the Panthéon dome; the specific 1982 date mark; the unique dolphin and cornucopia privy marks; and the large 100F denomination (usually found on the reverse, not shown).
Material & Composition
.900 Silver (90% Pure Silver, 10% Copper), containing approximately 13.5 grams of fine silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finish relief with a brilliant background. The obverse features a detailed architectural rendering of the Panthéon in Paris. The inscriptions 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' and the building's famous pediment inscription 'AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISSANTE' are executed in clean, modern typography. The style is late 20th-century Neo-Classical realism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark (Paris Mint) and the specific ‘Engraver General’ mark (in this case, Emile Rousseau's dolphin) found on either side of the date '1982'. No sterling hallmark is present as it is a government-issued coin with a stated face value.
Construction Details
Modern die-struck numismatic production. The coin is minted using high-pressure hydraulic presses to ensure crisp detail on the architectural columns and dome.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping or counterfeiting; legal tender status at time of issue, though now demonetized in favor of the Euro.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage). Edge is milled/reeded for grip and aesthetic consistency.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. The perspective used in the architectural rendering shows high level of technical mastery in die engraving, creating a sense of three-dimensional depth on a flat surface.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details are sharp; the typography is consistent with Paris Mint standards of the 1980s; the date font matches known genuine specimens; privy marks are correctly positioned.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; minted at the Monnaie de Paris facility. French minting traditions are renowned for their 'Art Medallist' approach to currency.
Era & Period
Modern Republic (Fifth Republic of France), early 1980s. This period was marked by a resurgence in silver commemorative coinage following the global silver spike of 1979-80.
Age Estimate
Dated 1982; 42 years old from the time of this analysis.
Cultural Significance
The coin represents the French national identity, merging its revolutionary secularism ('Aux Grands Hommes') with its proud architectural heritage. It serves as a portable piece of French pride during the Mitterrand era.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine. There is visible surface wear and minor contact marks (bag marks) on the high points of the dome and the lettering. Light tarnish/patina is beginning to form around the rim and the building's facade. No evidence of harsh cleaning.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD. The value is largely driven by its silver melt weight (silver spot price × 0.43 troy oz) plus a small collector premium for its condition and historical subject.
Care & Maintenance
Never clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic capsule or a 'flip' to prevent further tarnish. Handle only by the edges to avoid leaving corrosive skin oils on the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
1983 '100 Francs Karl Marx', 1984 '100 Francs Marie Curie', and the 1985 '100 Francs Victor Hugo'. All share the same silver specifications but feature different reverse motifs.
Interesting Facts
The Panthéon was originally intended to be a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, but the French Revolution changed its purpose to a temple to 'the great men of the era of French liberty.' This specific coin was part of a larger trend in the 80s where France issued large silver coins for public circulation alongside base metal currency.