A massive piece of historic French currency containing nearly nine-tenths of a troy ounce of silver.

The French 50 Francs Hercules is an impressive example of the large silver coins issued during the final decades of circulating European silver. Unlike a modern bullion round, the Hercules was issued as official French currency with a face value of 50 francs. Today, its substantial silver content and classic French design make it equally appealing to world-coin collectors and silver stackers.

Struck in .900 fine silver, each coin weighs 30 grams and contains 27 grams of pure silver, giving it an Actual Silver Weight of approximately 0.8681 troy ounces. At 41 mm in diameter, the Hercules is noticeably larger than a Morgan or Peace Dollar and contains roughly 12% more silver.

The Classic Hercules Design

The centerpiece of the coin is one of France's most enduring numismatic designs. Created by renowned French medalist and engraver Augustin Dupré, the composition depicts Hercules standing between allegorical representations of Liberty and Equality, symbolically bringing the two together under Fraternity. Above the figures appears France's famous national motto:

LIBERTÉ – ÉGALITÉ – FRATERNITÉ

Dupré's Hercules motif has roots stretching back to the French Revolution and was revived on several generations of French coinage, giving the 50 Francs a design with considerably more history behind it than its 1970s date might suggest.

The denomination side features 50 FRANCS surrounded by an elegant wreath composed of olive and oak branches, with RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE around the perimeter and the date below.

Even the edge received special attention, carrying raised symbols representing agriculture, industry and commerce, another detail that sets the Hercules apart from ordinary bullion.

A Short-Lived Silver Giant

The 50 Francs Hercules was issued from 1974 through 1980, making it a relatively short series. The denomination was ultimately demonetized on April 30, 1980.

Specifications

• Country: France
• Year: Random
• Denomination: 50 Francs
• Series: Hercules
• Type: Standard Circulation Coin
• Composition: 90% Silver / 10% Copper
• Fineness: .900
• Total Weight: 30 grams
• Pure Silver Content: 27 grams
• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.8681 Troy Ounces
• Diameter: 41 mm
• Thickness: Approximately 2.7 mm
• Designer: Augustin Dupré
• Series Years: 1974–1980
• Status: Demonetized / Historic French Currency

Historic European Silver With Serious Weight

For stackers, the attraction is straightforward: 0.8681 troy ounces of silver in a single historic coin. For collectors, the Hercules offers much more—a famous design, genuine French monetary history, a relatively short production period, and the impressive size and feel of a 30-gram silver coin.

Rather than stacking another generic round, the 50 Francs Hercules provides nearly nine-tenths of an ounce of silver wrapped in a piece of French history.

Please Note: These are original coins and may display toning, scratches, contact marks, edge wear or other characteristics associated with age, storage and handling. Individual condition may vary.

Stack Sensibly. Collect Creatively!