1 Franc
1 Franc 'Semeuse' (The Sower)
France · 1961
A silver-colored nickel coin featuring a walking female figure sowing seeds (The Sower) and an olive branch.
- Country
- France
- Year
- 1961
- Denomination
- 1 Franc
- Metal
- Nickel
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Overview
A silver-colored nickel coin featuring a walking female figure sowing seeds (The Sower) and an olive branch.
Historical significance
This coin represents the 'New Franc' introduced by Charles de Gaulle in 1960. The 'Sower' design, originally by Oscar Roty in 1897, was revived for this currency reform to symbolize the fertility and endurance of the French Republic.
Obverse (front)
'The Sower' (La Semeuse), a classically styled female figure in a Phrygian cap sowing seeds into the wind with the rising sun in the background. Inscription: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' and the artist's name 'O. Roty'.
Reverse (back)
An olive branch with the denomination '1 FRANC' and the year '1961'. The motto 'LIBERTE • EGALITE • FRATERNITE' surrounds the central design.
Estimated value
$0.25 - $1.00 in circulated condition; $5 - $15 in Brilliant Uncirculated (MS) condition.
What drives this coin's value
Value is primarily driven by condition (grade). Because hundreds of millions were minted, only high-grade uncirculated examples carry a significant premium above face value.
Grade assessment
Fine to Very Fine. There is significant wear on the higher points of the Sower's gown and the olive leaves, and the surfaces show many small scratches and bag marks.
Mintage & rarity
High mintage (approx. 339,000,000 in 1961), making this a very common date.
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Counterfeits of this specific common date are rare, but verify the magnetic properties; this coin is magnetic as it is solid nickel. Check for crispness in the 'O. Roty' signature.
Notable varieties & errors
No major die varieties or errors are widely recognized for the 1961 issue that significantly alter the value.
Similar coins
Silver versions (0.835 fineness) of this design from 1898-1920 are often confused with the nickel 1960s versions, though the earlier ones are notably more valuable.
Care & preservation
Do not clean with chemicals or abrasives, as this destroys the value of the coin. Store in an acid-free holder (flip or capsule) to prevent environmental damage.
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