50 francs Hercule (silver)
France · silver · 1974-1980
Overview
The 50 franc Hercule is the large French silver coin of the nineteen-seventies, struck from 1974 to 1980. It revives the group of Hercules between Liberty and Equality engraved by Augustin Dupré at the end of the eighteenth century, one of the oldest motifs still in use on a French coin; the reverse carries the value within a wreath of oak and laurel. It weighs 30 g of 900 ‰ silver, that is 27 g of fine silver, with a diameter of 41 mm, which makes it a broad and heavy coin in the hand. The 10 franc Hercule that preceded it, struck from 1965 to 1973, weighs 25 g at the same fineness for 37 mm. These coins, often kept in rolls, reach the counter in fine condition; they trade by their fine silver weight. At Gold & Silver Company in Dottignies, every 50 franc Hercule is weighed and appraised in front of the person, like the gold coins; the assay in the agency is what counts.
The 10 francs Hercule (1965-1973) weighs 25 g at 900 ‰, Ø 37 mm.
Characteristics
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Metal | silver |
| Gross weight | 30 g |
| Fineness | 900 ‰ |
| Fine metal | 27 g |
| Diameter | 41 mm |
| Years of issue | 1974-1980 |
How to check it
Indicative check: weigh the coin to the centigram and measure its diameter with callipers; a deviation of more than 0.1 g or 0.2 mm from the reference values warrants an examination in the agency. The assay in the agency is what counts.
At Gold & Silver Company
Every coin is weighed and appraised in front of the person, at the agency in Dottignies (Mouscron); the price is set at the rate of the moment of the transaction and is never published in advance.
Welcome policy: for gold, Gold & Silver Company receives by appointment from one kilogram; below that, no appointment is needed during opening hours; for silver, no appointment is needed whatever the quantity.
Related terms
Further reading
Sources
Characteristics checked against the reference numismatic catalogues and the issuers' official specifications (September 2026). The appraisal in the agency is what counts.