France, 5 Francs 1960-1969

When France reformed its coinage in 1960 following the introduction of the new franc, it was decided that the new 5 franc coin would be struck in silver, and this lasted until 1969. Only the 10 francs continued to be struck in silver until 1974, after which all coins were issued in base metals. The obverse shows La Semeuse (Sower) designed by Louis Oscar Roty and which became a national symbol of France that has featured on many coins since 1900. On the reverse there are intermingled sprigs of wheat, acorns and olive branches.