French 1/2 Franc 'Semeuse' (The Sower) Coin
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) · Collectibles & Antiques > Numismatics
Era / Decade
1960s-2001 (Modern Franc era)
Material
Nickel (high quality, magnetic, durable silver-colored metal)
Condition
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Shows visible surface wear on the high points of the 'Sower' figure and several rim nicks and scratches.
Demand Level
Low (Common bulk coin)
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$0.10 - $2.00
Estimated Retail Value
$0.50 - $1.00
Comparable Sales
Individual circulated 1/2 Franc coins typically sell for $0.99 to $1.50 with free shipping on eBay. Bulk lots of French Francs usually sell for $5 - $15 per pound.
Description
A circulated French 1/2 Franc coin featuring the iconic 'La Semeuse' (The Sower) design by Oscar Roty on the obverse. This image depicts a draped woman walking left, scattering seeds with the rising sun in the background. The text reads 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE'.
Key Features
Iconic Art Nouveau design; discontinued currency (pre-Euro); durable nickel composition; high recognition for French collectors.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct typography for the era; signature 'O. Roty' visible at the base; standard nickel magnetic properties. Confidence: High.
Flaws to Note
Heavy circulation wear; numerous surface scratches; rim dings at the 1 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions; dull luster.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (as part of a bulk foreign coin lot) or local coin shops. It is not worth selling individually on most platforms due to shipping costs.
Selling Tips
Do not clean this coin, as it destroys numismatic value. Bundle this with other European or French coins to create a 'starter set' for collectors to make shipping costs worthwhile. Use keywords like 'Vintage French Franc', 'The Sower', and 'Numismatic Lot'.