French 100 Francs Commemorative Silver Coin, 1988 'Liberté Égalité Fraternité'
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), France
Pattern: Commemorative Currency - French Republic Series (5th Republic)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), France
Material
.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper); Silver Weight: 13.5g (0.434 troy oz)
Dimensions
Diameter: 31 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm; Total Weight: 15.0 grams; Silver Content: 13.5 grams.
Description
This sleek, modern silver 100 Franc coin represents a bold departure from traditional French numismatic art. Issued in 1988, it features a stylized, almost architectural presentation of the republic's primary values. The Phrygian cap, a traditional symbol of freedom, is rendered in a minimalist graphic style above a multi-line typographical arrangement of the national motto. Encased in a polished silver field, the design reflects the transition of France toward contemporary aesthetics in the lead-up to the Euro era.
Key Features
Stylized 'Modernist' typography; Phrygian cap icon; Large '100 F' denomination centered between striking horizontal lines.
Material & Composition
.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper); Silver Weight: 13.5g (0.434 troy oz)
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Uncirculated finish with struck relief; Featuring the Phrygian cap (Liberty cap) at the top, the national motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' in stylized typography, and various geometric line elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark for Monnaie de Paris; Engraver's mark; '100 F' denomination; '1988' date stamp on reverse.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck on a round planchet; Reeded edge (milled).
Functional Features
Milled edge to prevent clipping; Raised rim to protect the design from surface wear; Denomination indicated for legal tender use in 1988.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking typical of the Monnaie de Paris; clean crisp edges and level fields indicating high-pressure minting standards.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font geometry for 1988 series; Precise milling on the edge; Correct weight profile for the .900 silver alloy; Presence of the Cornucopia mint mark.
Origin & Manufacturing
Pessac/Paris, France; manufactured by the National Mint following centuries-old French numismatic traditions.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic (Modern Era 1958-Present); Design dating to the late 20th century.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1988.
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring French tri-part philosophy (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) and serves as a historical marker of the pre-Euro French monetary system.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Circulated condition; visible surface 'bag marks' and micro-scratches consistent with light handling; minor tarnish/patina appearing near the legends; no major rim dings or deep gouges.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD (Primarily tracked by silver spot price plus a small numismatic premium).
Care & Maintenance
Store in an acid-free PVC-free coin capsule to prevent tarnish; avoid cleaning with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value; handle by the edges only to prevent fingerprint oils (sulfides) from marking the silver.
Similar Pieces
100 Francs Panthéon (1982), 100 Francs Marie Curie (1984), and 100 Francs Lafayette (1987). Differ primarily in the reverse commemorative artwork.
Interesting Facts
The 100 Franc silver coins of this era were intended both for circulation and as a way for citizens to squirrel away physical silver; they remain popular with 'stackers' due to their high silver purity.