History
A unique piece of continuity in French coinage history
The Hercules motif on the French 5 francs is one of the longest-lived numismatic designs in the world. Augustin Dupré created it in 1795 as a symbol of the ideals of the French Revolution: Hercules holding Liberté and Égalité by the hand. The design returned on coins from the First to the Third Republic and represents a unique continuity in French coinage history.
With 25 grams at 900‰ silver, this coin holds 22.5 grams of fine silver. The value varies strongly by issue period, mint and condition: early examples from the revolutionary period or the First Republic can be worth considerably more than later re-issues. An accurate identification of the year is therefore essential for a correct valuation.
