1964 France 5 Francs Semeuse (Sower) Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), with the cornucopia mint mark; designed by Louis-Oscar Roty.
Pattern: La Semeuse (The Sower) design, originally introduced in 1897 and repurposed for the New Franc in 1960.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), with the cornucopia mint mark; designed by Louis-Oscar Roty.
Material
.835 Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). Each coin contains approximately 0.3222 troy ounces of actual silver weight (ASW).
Dimensions
Diameter: 29.0 mm; Thickness: 2.0 mm; Mass: 12.0 grams (standard weight).
Description
The French 5 Francs Silver Semeuse is a classic of 20th-century numismatics. It features Oscar Roty's iconic 1897 design of a woman sowing seeds at sunrise, representing the French agricultural spirit and national growth. It was the last high-circulation silver coin of France before rising silver prices forced a transition to nickel in 1970. Its elegant Art Nouveau roots merged with mid-century modern utility make it a favorite for 'junk silver' stackers and entry-level collectors alike.
Key Features
The distinctive 'O. Roty' signature at the base of the Sower, the 83.5% silver fineness, and the large 29mm module size.
Material & Composition
.835 Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). Each coin contains approximately 0.3222 troy ounces of actual silver weight (ASW).
Finish & Decoration
Satin mint luster. Features the 'Sower' walking left against a rising sun on the obverse and a wreath of olive and oak branches on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' and designer 'O. Roty'. Reverse: '5 FRANCS', date '1964', 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE', and cornucopia mint mark.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck at high pressure using mechanized oscillating presses at the national mint.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent metal shaving and for easy denomination identification by touch.
Handle & Grip Details
None; however, the reeded edge provides tactile grip for handling currency.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent precision-die work. The surface shows the high relief typical of French minting traditions, though wear on high points like the breast and cap of the sower occurs quickly in circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (12g), high-quality strike characteristics, reeded edge consistency, and the specific 'cornucopia' mint mark which is difficult to replicate with precision on forgeries.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; Paris Mint (main administration) or Pessac plant (production). Standard national currency production.
Era & Period
Fifth French Republic (Post-WWII Modern Era). Historical context: Part of the 1960 currency revaluation ('Nouveau Franc').
Age Estimate
Dated 1964. This coin was minted during the peak production years (1960-1969).
Cultural Significance
Represents the stabilization of the French economy under Charles de Gaulle. It serves as a symbol of French identity, Republican values, and the transition from the old franc to the current monetary system.
Condition Notes
The image shows a circulated (Good to Very Good) specimen. Noted: moderate surface abrasions (bag marks), toning/tarnish typical of 1960s silver alloy, and smoothed hair details on the Sower.
Value Estimate
$8 - $15 USD. Value is closely tied to the daily 'melt' price of silver plus a small numismatic premium for high-grade (Uncirculated) examples.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical 'dips' or silver polish as they destroy numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or tubes. Handle only by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing localized tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1960-1969 5 Francs (Silver), 1970-2001 5 Francs (Nickel - no silver value), and the smaller 1 or 2 Franc coins in nickel.
Interesting Facts
The model for 'The Sower' was Rosalinde Pesce. This design is so beloved that it inspired the current French obverses on Euro cents and was used on the inaugural coins of the New Franc in 1960.