1986 France 100 Francs 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic and one of the world's oldest continuously running institutions.
Pattern: Modern commemorative circulating coinage series, specifically the 100 Francs denomination series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic and one of the world's oldest continuously running institutions.
Material
.900 Silver (90% pure silver, 10% copper). It contains approximately 13.5 grams or 0.434 troy ounces of pure silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 31 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm; Weight: 15.00 grams (Total weight).
Description
A striking example of modern French numismatic art, this 100 Francs silver coin commemorates the foundational values of the French Republic. The reverse design by Durand-Megret utilizes a bold, stacked typographic approach that feels both historic and avant-garde. The heavy silver content provides a satisfying heft uncommon in modern base-metal currency.
Key Features
Stylized 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' text; 100F denomination; Durand-Megret designer signature; 90% silver purity; Cornucopia mint mark.
Material & Composition
.900 Silver (90% pure silver, 10% copper). It contains approximately 13.5 grams or 0.434 troy ounces of pure silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-proof like circulating finish with raised relief. Modernist typographic design featuring the national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' in a stylized architectural font. Features a horizontal divider line and the date 1986.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin features the 'Cornucopia' (Different) which is the mark of the Monnaie de Paris, and the 'Dolphin' (Different) mark of the General Engraver Émile Rousseau. Signed 'DURAND-MEGRET' on the right edge.
Construction Details
Milled/Die-struck coinage. Produced using industrial high-pressure coin presses at the Pessac facility. It features a plain edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender silver coin for the French Republic with a face value of 100 Francs (pre-Euro era). Functional as both a medium of exchange and a commemorative bullion piece.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard coin form). The rim is slightly raised to protect the relief from surface wear.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial striking. The alignment of the dies is precise, and the frosting on the lettering provides a clear contrast against the flat fields of the coin.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (15g) and diameter (31mm) consistency; crispness of the 'DURAND-MEGRET' signature; presence of the Monnaie de Paris cornucopia mark; characteristic '900' silver luster under the tarnish.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, minted at the Monnaie de Paris workshop in Pessac. French numismatic traditions focused on high-quality artistic engraving.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic of France (late 20th Century). Defined by the transition toward the Euro and the production of large-format silver commemorative currency.
Age Estimate
Dated 1986. 38 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war French identity and the enduring importance of the 1789 Revolution's slogans in modern European democracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine. Visible 'rainbow' or 'sulfide' toning/tarnish along the upper third and edges. Some minor contact marks (bag marks) on the 100F numerals. Overall structural integrity is perfect.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $25.00 USD. Value is primarily tied to the spot price of silver plus a small numismatic premium for the specific design and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic dips which can strip the natural toning. Store in a PVC-free plastic capsule or an acid-free paper flip. Handle only by the edges to prevent skin oils from causing dark fingerprints.
Similar Pieces
1982 100 Francs (Pantheon), 1984 100 Francs (Marie Curie), and the 1985 100 Francs (Germinal). These differ in reverse imagery but share the same silver weight and diameter specifications.
Interesting Facts
This coin was part of a series intended to reintroduce silver into circulation for the public, but most were hoarded by collectors or kept as souvenirs rather than spent, due to their intrinsic metal value.