This wonderful coin came to be as a result of rapidly rising silver prices in the 1970's that placed additional pressure on France's silver coinage program that would lead to the demise of the"10 Franc Hercules series" due to lack of being profitable.In response, the French mint decided first to replace it by a 20 Francs coin but silver prices were rising so rapidly they gave up this project (only a few essays were struck of this 20 Francs, extremely rare) and decided to issue a 50 Francs coin instead. This one is larger than the 10 Francs with slightly more silver content and a slight increase in overall weight. Although intended for circulation the majority of these beauties were either given as gifts or squirrelled away ! this coin is 41 mm in diameter ,2.7 mm thick , weighs 30 grams , and is 90 % silver ! The total mintage from 1974-1980 was approximately 40,425,000 coins .
The obverse of the coin shows Hercules protecting two women who symbolically represent “Liberty” and “Equality”. Liberty is shown holding a pole with a phrygian cap on top of the pole. Equality is shown holding a scale of justice. Hercules stands in the middle protecting the two women and wearing the Nemean Lion skin which, in the legend of the twelve tasks, granted him the power of invulnerability. Written on the outer rim of the coin are the words “LIBERTE-EGALITE-FRATERNITE” or in English "Liberty – Equality – Brotherhood”.
The reverse of the coin pictures a wreath with the denomination “50 FRANCS” and year within , while on the outer rim are written the words "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE".
The edge of the beautiful piece is not reeded nor lettered but decorated with ornaments that are symbolic representations of industry , commerce , and agriculture !!
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