Obverse

Reverse

1 Franc

1 Franc 'Semeuse' (The Sower)

France (French Republic) · 1969

A silver-colored French circulation coin featuring 'The Sower' on the obverse and an olive branch on the reverse.

Country: France (French Republic)
Year: 1969
Denomination: 1 Franc
Metal: Nickel

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Identified June 22, 2026More france (french republic) coins →

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Overview

A silver-colored French circulation coin featuring 'The Sower' on the obverse and an olive branch on the reverse.

Historical significance

The 'Sower' design was originally created by Oscar Roty in 1897 and was reintroduced for the New Franc in 1960. It is one of the most iconic symbols of French numismatics, representing a young woman sowing seeds into the wind, symbolizing the republic spreading its ideals.

Obverse (front)

The Sower (La Semeuse): a profile of a woman in a Phrygian cap sowing seeds against a rising sun. Legend: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE'. Designer: Louis-Oscar Roty.

Reverse (back)

An olive branch with the denomination '1 FRANC' above. Legend: 'LIBERTE • EGALITE • FRATERNITE'. The date '1969' is at the bottom, flanked by mint marks.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $1.00 in circulated condition; $3.00 - $8.00 in high uncirculated grades (MS-63+)

What drives this coin's value

Condition is the primary factor; as a high-mintage common date, it only carries significant value in pristine, uncirculated condition.

Grade assessment

Very Fine to Extremely Fine (VF-XF); the coin shows typical circulation wear but legends and the main figure remain clearly visible.

Mintage & rarity

53,010,000 produced; very common.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for magnetic properties (pure nickel is magnetic). Look for crisp details in the sun and olive leaves. Counterfeits of this specific common date are rare.

Notable varieties & errors

No major rare varieties are known for the 1969 issue, though collectors look for proof-like (PL) strikes.

Similar coins

Often confused with the smaller 1/2 Franc or the larger 2 and 5 Franc coins of the same design series.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges; avoid cleaning or polishing which can scratch the nickel surface; store in a dry, PVC-free flip or capsule.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other france (french republic) coins

Learn about 1 Franc 'Semeuse' (The Sower) in the encyclopedia