French 5 Francs Semeuse Pattern Nickel-Silver Alloy Coin dated 1970
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official French government mint responsible for producing circulating and commemorative coins with a historic lineage dating back to 864 AD.
Pattern: Semeuse (The Sower) design originally created by Oscar Roty for the French 2-franc coin in 1897 and later adapted for the 5-franc denomination, which was struck for circulation between 1960 and 2001.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official French government mint responsible for producing circulating and commemorative coins with a historic lineage dating back to 864 AD.
Material
Nickel-brass alloy, composed of copper (79%), zinc (20%), and nickel (1%), with no precious silver content despite its silver appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter of 29 mm, thickness of approximately 2 mm, and standard weight of 10.0 grams.
Description
A classic circulating 5 Francs coin from the French Fifth Republic dated 1970. The piece displays Oscar Roty's celebrated Art Nouveau 'Semeuse' design on the reverse, depicting a stylized female figure sowing seeds at sunrise. The obverse and reverse show standard circulation wear with handling marks, a metallic luster, and characteristic nickel-brass toning.
Key Features
Oscar Roty's enduring Sower motif, crisp lettering of the French Republican motto, distinct 1970 date mark, and Paris Mint privy marks.
Material & Composition
Nickel-brass alloy, composed of copper (79%), zinc (20%), and nickel (1%), with no precious silver content despite its silver appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a standard business finish, featuring Roty's iconic Sower striding forward scattering seeds against a rising sun, surrounded by the national motto 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the cornucopia mint mark of the Paris Mint and the owl/engraver's privy mark characteristic of French circulating coinage of this period.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coin presses, using mass-production die-stamping techniques standard for twentieth-century central bank currency.
Functional Features
Standard circulating currency coin featuring a reeded edge and legal tender denomination of 5 Francs within the French Fifth Republic monetary system.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as this is a standard circular coin without handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
High-relief die engraving reflecting the artistic standards of late 19th-century French medallic art successfully scaled down for mass-produced currency.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, weight, edge reeding, and matching Paris Mint hallmarks consistent with genuine 1970 French 5-franc mint output.
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted in Paris, France, by the Monnaie de Paris following strict national minting standards for circulation coinage.
Era & Period
Fifth French Republic (Modern Era, 1970), reflecting post-war European currency standards.
Age Estimate
Dated precisely 1970 on the obverse field.
Cultural Significance
Represents a staple of daily economic life in France during the Pompidou presidency and serves as a late 20th-century icon before the adoption of the Euro.
Condition Notes
Moderate circulated condition with surface abrasions, minor edge dings, and localized tarnish typical of a coin that spent time in everyday commerce. Graded overall as Very Good to Fine.
Value Estimate
Low numismatic value, generally traded as bullion or face value equivalent of around $1 to $3 USD, depending on exact collector demand and coin condition.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a standard numismatic coin flip or capsule in a dry environment. Avoid cleaning or harsh polishing to preserve any remaining original mint luster and collector value.
Similar Pieces
Later or earlier year editions of the French 5-franc Semeuse coin, as well as the silver 5-franc coins minted prior to 1970 which contained actual silver content (.835 fine).
Interesting Facts
Oscar Roty's Sower design is one of the most famous and long-lived motifs in French numismatic history, having appeared on French coins for over a century across multiple denominations.