French 10 Francs Hercules Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic with historical roots dating back to 864 AD.
Pattern: Hercule (Hercules Union and Force), originally designed by Augustin Dupré in 1795.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic with historical roots dating back to 864 AD.
Material
.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper); contains approximately 0.7234 troy ounces of actual silver weight (ASW).
Dimensions
Diameter: 37 mm; Thickness: 2.3 mm; Total Weight: 25 grams (22.5g pure silver).
Description
A classic of French numismatics, the 10 Francs Hercules silver coin is a large, heavy-format coin showcasing the neo-classical style of the French Revolution. It depicts Hercules joining the hands of Liberty (holding a pike) and Equality (holding a level), symbolizing national unity under the motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité'.
Key Features
Large 37mm diameter; heavy 25-gram weight; iconic Augustin Dupré motif; high silver purity (.900).
Material & Composition
.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper); contains approximately 0.7234 troy ounces of actual silver weight (ASW).
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a matte to semi-lustrous finish. Obverse features Hercules flanked by Liberty and Equality; reverse features the denomination and date within a wreath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks from Monnaie de Paris including the 'Cornucopia' (Paris Mint) and various Engraver General marks like the 'Dolphin' or 'Owl' depending on the specific year.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, die-pressed coin produced with high-pressure industrial minting presses to ensure uniformity and security.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the French Republic with reeded (milled) edges to prevent clipping and debasement.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Circular coinage form).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality strike with Crisp lettering and detailed relief in the central figures, characteristic of late 20th-century French minting excellence.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (25g) and diameter (37mm) are the primary indicators; the strike quality and 'cornucopia' mint mark are consistent with Monnaie de Paris production.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, manufactured at the Pessac or Paris facilities of the Monnaie de Paris using traditional French numismatic standards.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Fifth French Republic), produced primarily between 1964 and 1973 as silver coinage was phased out for daily use.
Age Estimate
Circa 1964-1973 based on the 10 Franc Hercules design specifications.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII stabilization of French currency and the transition of silver from a circulating medium to a store of value and bullion.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear and tarnish suggest 'Very Fine' to 'Extra Fine' condition. There are visible contact marks typical of coins stored in bulk. No major structural damage or cleaning evident.
Value Estimate
$20 - $35 USD per coin, largely dictated by the spot price of silver plus a small numismatic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Store in PVC-free coin flips or capsules; do not clean or polish as this destroys the numismatic value. Use cotton gloves for handling to avoid skin oil acids.
Similar Pieces
50 Francs Hercules (larger, 30g), 5 Francs Semeuse (smaller, 12g), and the earlier 5 Francs Hercules of the 19th century.
Interesting Facts
The Hercules design has been reused multiple times in French history, appearing on the 5 Francs of the 1790s, the 50 Francs of the 1970s, and most recently on modern Euro commemoratives.