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Gold 5 Francs

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Melt Value: How Much is a 5 Francs Gold Coin Worth?

Each contains 0.0471 oz of .900 fine gold bullion. Based on the metal content and weight, each 5 Francs Gold Coin is worth $199.55 based on today's gold spot price. The value is calculated by multiplying the weight times the purity times the spot price. Dealer premiums and brand reputation can impact the final price, so comparing offers is important.


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Gold 5 Francs

Gold 5 Francs

The Gold 5 Francs is a small-format French gold coin from Monnaie de Paris that gives buyers an accessible way to add historic fractional gold to a portfolio. Struck in .900 fine gold and typically weighing about 1.629 g overall, each coin contains .0471 troy ounces (1.465 g) of pure gold. Issued mainly under Napoleon III (1854–1869) and later by the Third Republic (notably 1878 and 1889), the Gold 5 Francs circulated as real money in a 19th‑century bimetallic system aligned with Latin Monetary Union standards. For investors comparing premiums across reputable sellers, this compact denomination often offers competitive pricing relative to its gold content.

In everyday commerce, the Gold 5 Francs served for small payments, personal savings, and cross‑border trade within Europe. Standardized fineness and weight helped the coin move easily between markets, a key objective of the Latin Monetary Union. Today, that consistency supports straightforward valuation by melt content while leaving room for numismatic interest in better-preserved or scarcer date-and-mint combinations.

Design Details

Obverse designs vary by type and era. Napoleon III issues display his left-facing portrait—with earlier bare-head types and later laureate busts—accompanied by the legend “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR.” Many bear the signature of engraver Désiré‑Albert Barre. Third Republic pieces adopt the Cérès head by Eugène‑André Oudiné with “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE,” reflecting the state’s shift from imperial to republican iconography.

The reverse consistently presents the denomination “5 FRANCS” within a laurel wreath, the date below, and mint marks that identify origin. The “A” mint mark indicates production at Monnaie de Paris; other letters denote branch mints. Edges are reeded. Diameters typically range from about 14.4 mm to 16.7 mm depending on type and year, a normal variance for 19th‑century issues.

Highlights

Made of .900 fine gold by Monnaie de Paris; fractional denomination for accessible gold ownership

Contains .0471 troy oz (1.465 g) of gold; typical total weight around 1.629 g

Circulation strikes mainly under Napoleon III (1854–1869) and the Third Republic (notably 1878 and 1889)

Obverse portraits: Napoleon III (bare head or laureate, signed BARRE) or Cérès by E.‑A. Oudiné

Reverse: value “5 FRANCS” within a laurel wreath, date, and mint mark; reeded edge

Aligned with Latin Monetary Union specifications for cross‑border acceptance

Lower mintages than the 20 Francs in many years, which can add scarcity for select dates

Recognized European fractional gold that often trades with practical premiums over melt

Gold 5 Francs – Historic French Fractional Gold from Monnaie de Paris

The Gold 5 Francs is a compact, circulation-era coin that links bullion buyers to France’s 19th‑century monetary history. Struck in .900 fine gold, it contains .0471 troy oz (1.465 g) of pure gold and typically weighs about 1.629 g in total. Most issues fall under Napoleon III, with later Third Republic dates adding variety for collectors seeking specific types, mint marks, or condition tiers. For price‑conscious investors, the standardized format helps when comparing dealer premiums.

Intended for daily use at the time of issue, the Gold 5 Francs moved alongside silver in a bimetallic economy and followed Latin Monetary Union norms. Its pocket‑friendly size made it practical for routine transactions and travel, while today the same attributes support liquidity and ease of storage.

Design, Mintage Context, and Use

Imperial types emphasize authority and continuity through the portrait of Napoleon III and classical wreath motifs. Third Republic types pivot to republican symbolism with Cérès, an allegory of agriculture and civic virtue. While annual mintages vary by year and mint, the 5 Francs was generally issued in smaller quantities than the widely encountered 20 Francs, which can make certain combinations harder to source in higher grades.

In commerce, the .900 fineness and precise weight allowed straightforward valuation across LMU member states. That standardization still matters: buyers can estimate intrinsic value quickly from gold content, then decide whether a given coin’s date, mint mark, or condition justifies any premium beyond melt value.

Buying Considerations for U.S. Gold Investors

Pricing depends on condition, date/mint scarcity, and market demand. Common, circulated examples tend to track bullion value closely, while coins with lower mintages or superior eye appeal can carry a collectible premium. When comparing offers, confirm specifications—weight, diameter band, and .900 fineness—and consider certified options if you prefer third‑party grading. As with any physical gold purchase, review shipping, insurance, and return policies. This information is educational and not financial advice.

FAQ

Who minted the Gold 5 Francs? Monnaie de Paris produced these coins, with additional output from French branch mints. The “A” mint mark denotes Paris.

When were Gold 5 Francs issued? Regular circulation issues appear under Napoleon III from 1854 to 1869, with later Third Republic dates most notably in 1878 and 1889.

What is the gold content and fineness? Each coin is .900 fine gold and contains .0471 troy ounces (1.465 g) of pure gold; the typical total weight is about 1.629 g.

What are the obverse and reverse designs? Napoleon III types feature his left‑facing portrait (bare head or laureate), often signed BARRE, with “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR.” Third Republic types show Cérès by E.‑A. Oudiné. The reverse carries “5 FRANCS” in a laurel wreath, date, and mint marks.

Did Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I) issue gold 5 Francs? Under Napoleon I, the 5 Francs denomination was struck in silver; the widely encountered gold 5 Francs are primarily from the later Napoleon III era and the Third Republic.

Why do diameters vary? Historical minting tolerances and design updates create small differences by type and year, generally within about 14.4 to 16.7 mm, while gold content remains consistent for standard issues.

Are Gold 5 Francs legal tender today? No. They were legal tender at issue but no longer circulate. Current value derives from gold content and collector demand.

What affects the premium over melt? Condition, date/mint rarity, dealer inventory, and market demand influence premiums. Common, circulated pieces often price close to intrinsic value.

How can I authenticate a coin? Check weight, diameter, and reeded edge; examine portrait and lettering details; verify mint marks. When in doubt, consult a reputable dealer or third‑party grading service, or use non‑destructive testing.

How do Gold 5 Francs compare to 20 Francs? Both follow LMU standards, but 20 Francs contain more gold and were minted in larger numbers, making them more common. The 5 Francs offers a smaller, fractional option that can fit tighter budgets or diversify position sizes.

Is the Gold 5 Francs a practical fractional gold choice for U.S. buyers? Yes. It is widely recognized, standardized, and easy to store. Compare premiums across dealers and align purchases with your budget, goals, and storage plan.



Gold 5 Francs Specifications

Weight .0471 oz
Country France
Type Gold Bullion
Mint Monnaie de Paris
Year Various
Coins Series Latin Monetary Union - 5 Francs
Classification Historical
Face Value 5 Francs
Coins Type Gold Bullion
Purity .900 fineness
Capsule Size Capsules are available from Amazon: DALMALIN 100 Pieces 30mm Coin Capsules and 5 Sizes (17/20/25/27/30mm) Protect Gasket Coin Holder Case with Plastic Storage Box,for Coin Collection - $0.00
Diameter 16.70 mm
Thickness .50 mm
Edge Milled


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