French 5 Francs Silver Coin, 1964 La Semeuse (The Sower)
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic and one of the oldest institutions in the world.
Pattern: La Semeuse (The Sower) design, originally created by Oscar Roty in 1897 and reintroduced for the New Franc in 1960.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic and one of the oldest institutions in the world.
Material
.835 Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). Each coin contains approximately 10.02 grams of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 29.0 mm; Thickness: 2.3 mm; Weight: 12.0 grams per coin.
Description
Two 1964 French 5 Franc silver coins featuring the timeless Sower design by Oscar Roty. These coins represent the last era of silver circulating currency in France, known for their high silver content and elegant Art Nouveau-influenced aesthetic which persisted long into the 20th century.
Key Features
.835 Silver purity, Roty's Sower design, reeded edge, and the specific 1964 date which was a high-mintage year for this denomination.
Material & Composition
.835 Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). Each coin contains approximately 10.02 grams of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated luster with relief engraving. Features the iconic 'Sower' sowing seeds into the wind on the obverse; the reverse shows a wheat stalk, olive branch, and oak branch, symbolizing agriculture, peace, and strength.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark for Monnaie de Paris and an 'Owl' or 'Coque' mark for the Chief Engraver Raymond Joly. Text: 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' and 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE'.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage; mass-produced at high pressure to ensure uniformity in weight and relief. Reeded edge to prevent shaving of metal.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the French Republic from 1960 until the introduction of the Euro (demonetized in 2002).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine striking with crisp lettering. Despite being mass-produced, the fine details of the wheat and oak leaves show the Paris Mint's technical precision.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (12g), diameter (29mm), and specific design sharpness in lettering. The 'Cornucopia' and Chief Engraver marks are visible and consistent with Paris Mint production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France; Monnaie de Paris (Pessac or Paris workshops).
Era & Period
Fifth French Republic (Post-WWII Modern Era). Historical context: The revaluation of the Franc under Charles de Gaulle.
Age Estimate
Dated 1964; 60 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of French Republican values and economic stability following the currency reform of 1960. These coins were often saved by French families as a 'silver nest egg' during periods of inflation.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). Visible tarnish and darkening (toning) on the surfaces, particularly on the right coin. Minor edge nicks and surface scratches consistent with circulation and bulk storage.
Value Estimate
$8 - $12 USD per coin, primarily based on silver melt value (ASW) plus a small numismatic premium for the 1964 date.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish if intended for a numismatic collection, as this destroys 'eye appeal' and value. Store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent further environmental oxidation.
Similar Pieces
5 Francs Nickel (post-1970) which lacks silver value; 1 Franc Sower (.835 silver, smaller); 2 Francs Sower (.835 silver, medium).
Interesting Facts
The Sower (La Semeuse) is one of the most famous designs in numismatic history, appearing on French stamps and various coin denominations for over a century; it was even adapted for the French Euro coins.