Coin
5 Francs Hercule de Dupré (1996) — France
France • 1996 • Gad 1789#777, KM#1155, Schön#454, Franc 2014#346/2
Overview
200th Anniversary of the French Franc - Decimal System. Circulating commemorative coin.
Specifications
- Country
- France
- Year
- 1996
- Composition
- Nickel plated copper-nickel
- Weight
- 10 g
- Diameter
- 29 mm
- Thickness
- 2 mm
- Mint
- Monnaie de Paris
- Shape
- Round
- Technique
- milled
- References
- Gad 1789#777, KM#1155, Schön#454, Franc 2014#346/2
- Issuer
- France (Fifth Republic, 1958-date)
Design details
Obverse
The face value, within a wreath of one laurel and one oak branch, is surrounded by the inscription: "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" followed by a star. Script: Latin. Lettering: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, 5 FRANCS, 1996. Engravers: Augustin Dupré, Atelier de Gravure (A.G.M.M.)
Reverse
Nude Hercules with leonté, standing frontally, unites Liberté standing on the left, holding a pike surmounted by a Phrygian cap, and Égalité on the right, holding the level. They are surrounded by the motto "LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ". Script: Latin. Lettering: LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ, Dupré. Engravers: Atelier de Gravure (A.G.M.M.), Augustin Dupré
Collector insights
- Design heritage: Augustin Dupré (obverse and reverse), Atelier de Gravure (A.G.M.M.) is credited as the designer for the 5 Francs Hercules series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
- Struck at: Monnaie de Paris. Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
- Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 4,978,743. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
- Catalogue reference: Listed as
Gad 1789#777, KM#1155, Schön#454, Franc 2014#346/2. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.
Curator Insights
Historical context
During the mid-1990s, the French Fifth Republic utilized the 10-gram nickel-plated copper-nickel 5 Francs as a standard circulation denomination. This period was marked by preparations for the transition to the Euro, as France aligned its monetary policy with the Maastricht Treaty requirements. The use of the Hercules motif connected the final years of the New Franc system back to the artistic roots of the First Republic.
Design heritage
The reverse features the classic neoclassical group designed by Augustin Dupré, depicting Hercules standing between the personifications of Liberty and Equality. The obverse displays the denomination and year within a hybrid wreath composed of oak and laurel branches, symbols of strength and peace. This design was originally created by Dupré for the 5-franc silver coin of the 18th century and was revived for various denominations in modern French history.
Varieties and technical notes
This 1996 issue was produced with a reeded edge and struck by the Monnaie de Paris, bearing symbols for the mint and the engraver general. Collectors should examine the strike quality on the laurel leaves of the obverse and the alignment of the reeding along the rim. While primarily a circulation strike, samples may also exist within official BU or Proof sets issued by the mint for that year.
Survival and modern availability
With a mintage of nearly five million pieces, this issue remains readily available for collectors focusing on late 20th-century French coinage. Many of these coins were withdrawn from circulation following the legal adoption of the Euro in 2002, though they remain plentiful in secondary markets. Higher-grade examples are typically sourced from uncirculated rolls or annual mint sets rather than general circulation finds.
Related pieces
Explore more
Browse more items in the full catalog or view France in the country guide.