1 Franc
French Sower 1 Franc
France · 1973
A classic French circulation coin featuring the iconic Sower design by Louis-Oscar Roty on the obverse and a stylized olive branch with denomination on the reverse.
- Country
- France
- Year
- 1973
- Denomination
- 1 Franc
- Grade
- Uncirculated to About Uncirculated (AU/MS with minor handling marks)
This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.
Identified More france coins →
Explore French Sower 1 Franc in the encyclopedia →Identify your own coins.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Overview
A classic French circulation coin featuring the iconic Sower design by Louis-Oscar Roty on the obverse and a stylized olive branch with denomination on the reverse.
Historical significance
The Sower (La Semeuse) is one of the most enduring and famous symbols in French numismatic history, originally designed by Louis-Oscar Roty for the silver 2-franc, 1-franc, and 50-centime coins in 1897. It was later adapted for modern decimal coinage in 1960.
Obverse (front)
Features the Sower (La Semeuse) striding to the right, sowing seeds against a rising sun background, wearing a Phrygian cap. The legend 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' curves along the rim, and the artist's signature 'O. Roty' is at the bottom.
Reverse (back)
Displays the denomination '1 / FRANC' surrounded by an olive branch. The national motto 'LIBERTE • EGALITE • FRATERNITE' encircles the rim along with the year of issue '1973'.
Estimated value
$0.25 - $2.00 depending on condition (mostly face value or very low collector value for circulated modern issues)
What drives this coin's value
Condition, presence of original mint luster, and rare error strikes greatly influence value, though 1973 is generally common.
Grade assessment
Uncirculated to About Uncirculated (AU/MS with minor handling marks)
Mintage & rarity
High mintage, very common in circulation
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Due to high mintage and low face value, counterfeiting is extremely rare for this common date. Check weight and dimensions if suspicious.
Notable varieties & errors
Occasional minor die cracks or doubling errors, but no major rare varieties for 1973.
Similar coins
French Sower coins of other denominations (e.g., 2 Francs, 5 Francs) which feature similar designs but different sizes and weights.
Care & preservation
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths to preserve original mint luster.
More like this
Other france coins
20 Centimes
France · 1989
20 Centimes
20 Centimes
France · 1978
20 Centimes
France 2 Euro (New Design 2022)
France, Monnaie de Paris · 2022
2 Euro
10 Francs
France · 1945 - 1949
10 Francs
1 Franc - Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Pierre and Miquelon (Overseas territory of France) · 1948
1 Franc
50 Euro Cent
France · 2007
50 Euro Cent
