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French 50 franc silver coin (Hercules)
Today's Purchase Price
MS
AU
XF
VF
¥8000
¥7600
¥7360
¥7200
Cleaned
¥6960
Diameter :
Weight :
Purity :
Thickness :
41 mm
30 g
90% Silver
2.7 mm
Product Description
French 50 Franc Silver Coin (Hercules) - Condition-Based Purchases - GoldSilverJapan
GoldSilverJapan evaluates and purchases 50 Franc Silver Coins (Hercules Type) issued by the French Republic from 1974 to 1980 based on their condition.
This large silver coin, representative of modern France, features a statue of Hercules at its center, symbolizing the French Republic's ideals of "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity."
Although it is a circulating silver coin made of 90% silver, its issuance period was relatively short, and its size and silver content make it a striking coin.
It is still actively traded on the international market today, valued for both its silver bullion value and collector's value.
At GoldSilverJapan, we appraise this 50 franc silver coin not as mere "silver bullion" or an excessively "rare coin," but as a "practical modern silver coin" whose condition is properly evaluated.
About the French 50 franc silver coin (Hercules)
The 50 franc Hercules silver coin was the last large-scale circulating silver coin issued under the French Fifth Republic.
The 1970s was a time of global silver price rise and a period of change in the monetary system,
and many countries ceased circulation of silver coins.
France was no exception,
1974: Issue of the 50 franc silver coin began
1980: Officially abolished as currency (demonetization)
The coin's history came to an end in a relatively short period.
As a result, this coin is considered
modern yet "final generation" of silver coins.
Although there are many coins issued, the number of well-worn coins is decreasing.
Symbolism of the Hercules Design
Origin of the Design
This Hercules statue is based on a design by Augustin Dupré, a sculptor active during the French Revolution.
Hercules stands in the center, symbolizing "power," and on either side are the following symbols:
Liberty
Equality
And as a unifying principle, the inscription LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ is engraved at the top.
This represents the very idea of the French Republic:
Liberty and equality can only coexist through fraternity.
Obverse Features
The obverse features the face value surrounded by a laurel wreath.
Engraving
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
50 FRANCS
Year of Issue (1974–1980)
This simple, practical design combines the dignity of a national currency with the weight of a large silver coin.
Reverse Features
The reverse features an imposing statue of Hercules and the Republic's ideals.
Engraving
LIBERTÉ
ÉGALITÉ
FRATERNITÉ
Dupré (Designer's Name)
The 50 franc is large, measuring 41mm in diameter, giving this design a powerful, visually striking presence.
Basic Specifications of the French 50 Franc Silver Coin
Country of Issue: French Republic
Years of Issue: 1974-1980
Face Value: 50 Francs
Material: Silver (.900 Silver)
Weight: 30.0 grams
Diameter: 41mm
Thickness: 2.7mm
Edge: Relief
Pure Silver Weight: Approximately 27.0 grams (approximately 0.868 troy ounces)
👉 This coin contains significantly more silver than the 10 Franc silver coin, making it a coin that is easily valued as an investment coin.
GoldSilverJapan's Appraisal Policy (Important)
At GoldSilverJapan,
we appraise French 50 Franc silver coins based on the following criteria.
Basic Appraisal Structure
Pure silver weight (27.0g) x current silver market price
Additional points based on condition
Adjustments based on year and special conditions (limited)
👉 This method uses the bullion as a base to fairly evaluate pieces in good condition.
Evaluation criteria by condition (grade)
The following is the practical condition evaluation used by GoldSilverJapan.
VG (Very Good)
Features
Overall heavy wear
Details of the Hercules statue are unclear
Text is legible but faint
Rating
Mainly silver bullion price
Almost no collector rating
F (Fine)
Features
Heavy wear, but the main design is visible
The outline of Hercules is visible
Commonly circulated
Rating
Bullion price + very minor adjustments
VF (Very Fine)
Features
Some wear, but the three-dimensional effect remains
Text and image are easily legible
Most common condition on the market
Rating
Bullion price + condition rating
The most practically balanced grade
XF (Extremely Fine)
Features
Limited wear
Clear muscular expression of the Hercules statue
Very good visual impression
Rating
Bullion price + clear condition premium
Highly likely to attract collectors
AU (About Uncirculated
Features
Almost unused
Very slight wear
Some luster remains
Evaluation
Condition assessment strongly influences price
Market price increases depending on the year
UNC (Uncirculated)
Features
Unused
No wear
Clear stamping and luster
Evaluation
Bullion price + Collector's rating
Depending on condition, it may be valued at or above investment silver coins
Relationship between year and condition
50 franc silver coins were issued in relatively large numbers between 1974 and 1979.
As a result,
extreme rarity due to the year alone is limited.
However, for UNC and AU coins, differences in year do affect price.
At GoldSilverJapan, we prioritize "condition" over year.
However, in good condition, year is also considered a secondary factor.
Why evaluate by condition?
Because 50 franc silver coins are large,
they are prone to wear during circulation, dents, and edge scratches.
On the other hand, the number of coins that originated as sets
uncirculated and stored
is clearly decreasing.
For this reason,
We believe that a uniform evaluation that ignores condition would be unfair to those who own fine pieces.
Therefore, we adopt a condition-based evaluation system.
Points to check during appraisal
At GoldSilverJapan, we focus on the following:
The three-dimensionality of the Hercules statue
The degree of wear
The presence or absence of dents or deep scratches
The overall eye appeal
The presence or absence of unnatural polishing or processing
*Natural tones and tarnish due to aging will not result in deductions.
About bulk sales/bulk sales
50 franc silver coins are often found in large numbers as part of estate clearance
overseas coin collections
investment silver coins.
When purchasing multiple coins, we take into consideration the condition distribution
total silver weight
to provide the fairest overall appraisal.
Recommended for:
Those looking to organize their French silver coins
Those seeking a fair appraisal of large, well-maintained silver coins
Those seeking an appraisal that reflects both the silver price and the coin's value
Those looking to liquidate their European silver coin collection
Why choose GoldSilverJapan?
Proven track record in handling foreign silver coins
Balanced evaluation of bullion and condition
Transparency in explanations
Appraisal philosophy utilizing AI and international market prices
Emphasis on long-term trust
Conclusion
The French 50 franc silver coin (Hercules) is a large silver coin that symbolizes modern France and is a solid silver asset.
At GoldSilverJapan,
we never treat this coin as "just silver."
We check the condition of each coin,
and reflect both its silver value and its state of preservation.
Sell your French 50 franc silver coin to GoldSilverJapan.
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