Value of old coins in francs

The first francs do not date from yesterday, since it was in the 14th century that we saw the “franc on horseback” appear for the first time. However, it was only from 1795, and until the arrival of the euro, that the franc became the single currency in France. However, do the oldest coins necessarily have more value than coins dating from the end of the 20th century ? Not always, and you will see that many characteristics must be taken into consideration to determine the value of franc coins.

Its precious metal content

Since the issuance of franc coins, several metals have been used for their manufacture. These include copper, bronze and stainless steel. These relatively ordinary metals have a very low intrinsic value. In other words, if we compare the metal weight of these coins with the legal tender of the metal in question, we realize that they are not worth much.

On the other hand, with silver or gold coins, it’s a little different. These metals are in fact considered precious, and therefore have a real intrinsic value. For example: a 100 Franc silver coin weighs 32.35 grams and has a value of 900/1000. This means that it contains 32.35 x 0.9 = 29.115 grams of pure silver. If a gram of silver is worth, for example, 0.75 euros at a given time, then the coin has an intrinsic value of 29.115 x 0.75 = 21.84 euros. This is more than if we transcribed the face value of the coin into euros according to the rate established during the transition to the European currency (1 euro worth 6.55957 FF, or 15.25 euros for 100 FF). This is also true with gold coins, especially since gold has a much higher price than silver. It should also be noted that for equivalent metal and weight, the higher the degree of purity of the piece, the higher its intrinsic value.

The rarity of the piece

The intrinsic value alone does not make it possible to define the value of a coin in francs, except for the most common models. Francs can indeed see their price soar when it comes to rare and sought-after models. This may be the case for a coin which was issued in very few copies, which was manufactured by this or that workshop, which includes this or that effigy or even when it is a faulty coin. Among these rare coins, we can cite the 20 Francs Turin 1932, the 20 francs Hercules from 1973, the 5 francs Empire 1814 representing Napoleon and struck in Genoa, the Charles X half-francs, etc.

The state of conservation of the object

Logically, the better the condition of the piece, the higher its price will be. In France, there are 8 levels of state of conservation, ranging from Quite Beautiful to Fleur de Coin and Belle Épreuve. The quotation on the numismatic market can thus vary from simple to tenfold, or even more, for the same coin, depending on its wear, the visible reliefs, the shine, etc.

But be careful: if you have old francs worn over time, it is not recommended to try to restore them to their original shine to increase their value. Two main reasons for this:

• If you clean your coins with unsuitable products or too aggressively, you risk damaging them more than enhancing them;
• The patina of a piece and its defects are also guarantors of the history it has lived and can be taken into account for its quotation.

It is therefore advisable to only wash franc pieces which are dusty or earthy for example, using products and soft cloths.And if you are required to purchase gold coins or silver coins new or in very good condition, be sure to keep them away from light, dust, etc.

Since its creation, the franc has been issued in billions of coins, so much so that it would be impossible to make an exhaustive list. However, we know that some French coins are worth much more than others.

1 cent franc coins

Despite their very low face value, 1 cent franc coins can earn you a few euros. Dupré Bronze centimes (1795-1800) and Dupré Bronze Second Republic centimes (1848-1852) can, for example, cost up to 4 euros. As for the 1 centime Cérès Bronze coins issued between 1872 and 1897, they have a market value which fluctuates between 5 and 10 euros.

2 franc centime coins

The 2 centimes of francs are not left out, in particular the 2 centimes Napoleon III Bronze coin, which can sell for between a few euros and several tens of euros. Those which have the most value are the vintages 1853, 1854, as well as 1857 (Napoleon with “bare head”). 

The 2 centime Dupuis Bronze coin from 1899 can be resold for up to 50 euros if it is in very good condition.

The 2 centimes epi from 1961, although made of stainless steel, costs around 250 euros when it is in Very Very Fine condition.

5 franc centime coins

With 5 cent franc coins, several models can reach around twenty euros. Among those with the highest price, we find the 5 centimes epi in stainless steel, in its trial version from 1961, worth around 150 euros.

10 cent franc coins

If you want to be able to buy investment gold coins by reselling your old coins in 10 centime francs, there are a few models to know. The Napoleon III Bronze, the Napoleon 1er Billon and Bronze as well as the 1 Décime Bronze can be worth 100 to 400 euros when they are in Very Very Good condition, and for certain vintages. The 10 centime Cérès Bronze can fetch up to 50 euros.

20 franc centime coins

Several franc coins worth 20 centimes are also worth studying for resale. The 20 centimes French State and the 2 decimes Copper can notably reach respective quotations of 150 and 500 euros for certain vintages.

50 cent franc coins

Several 50 cent franc coins can be resold for between 1 and 50 euros. Those with the most value reach sums of up to 100, 400, or even 500 euros. This is respectively the case for the Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis-Philippe half-franc coins, the Cérès Argent coins and the Napoleon half-franc coins.

1 franc coins

With one franc coins, there is a wide range of different quotes. While some will bring you 5, 10 or even 50 euros, others see their prices soar. The 1 franc Napoleon III Silver sells for up to 100 euros, the 1 franc First Empire Silver up to 200 euros, the 1 franc Louis Philippe Silver up to 300 euros and the 1 franc Bonaparte 1st Consul Silver up to 800 euros .

2 franc coins

Old 2 franc coins can earn you several hundred euros. These include coins that were issued in the 19th century, such as the 2 francs Napoléon 1er Argent, the 2 francs Napoléon III Argent or the 2 francs Cérès II République Argent.

5 franc coins

If you own 5 franc coins, know that those with the most value are the Bare Head Napoléon 1857A, 1858A and 1859A, the 5 franc Commune of 1871 and the 5 franc Pétain of 1941 .

10 franc coins

10 franc coins generally have a lower value. However, you can get a few dozen euros from it depending on the vintage and state of conservation. The quotation of the 10 francs Guiraud Bronze-Aluminium is higher (60 euros), as is the 10 francs Turin IIIᵉ République Silver (150 euros).

20 franc coins

If there is one 20 franc coin that should not be overlooked, it is the 20 franc Turin silver coin. The 1936 and 1939 vintages in particular, because they cost 350 and 2500 euros. Other coins deserve your attention, such as certain 20 Guiraud francs.

50 franc coins

Few 50 franc coins are known for their high price. However, you should know that the 50 francs Guiraud (Mont Saint-Michel) 1950 and 1950B are very rare and can cost several hundred euros.

100 franc coins

Despite what one might think, 100 franc coins are not necessarily the most expensive. Most common collectible models are worth between 2 and 30 euros (100 Cochet cupronickel francs, 100 Commemorative Silver francs, 100 Panthéon Silver francs).

If it turns out that the coins you own do not have a high price, one of the simplest solutions is to resell them for the precious metals they contain. You can then contact a specialist in gold purchase and silver purchase, such as Gold Union. The value of the piece will be estimated according to its weight in precious metal and the price of the metal in question, to offer you the fairest price. You are then free to accept or refuse the offer!

If you have a franc coin that appears to have numismatic value, we advise you to first have it appraised by a specialist. You will then know what its average price is on the market and you can resell it to a numismatist (via an advertisement site or at a flea market for example) or to an antique dealer.