France 100 Francs Silver 1987 LaFayette Piefort

The France 100 Francs Silver 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin is a highly collectible piece of French numismatic history, created to commemorate the bicentennial of the American Revolution. This coin honors the vital role played by the French aristocrat and military officer, Marquis de Lafayette, in the American struggle for independence. Lafayette’s involvement was pivotal not only in the military campaigns but also in securing vital French support for the American cause. His legacy as a symbol of Franco-American friendship and his contribution to the birth of the United States are immortalized in this striking coin. Released in 1987, the coin serves as both a historical tribute and a representation of the long-standing relationship between France and the United States.

The 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin was minted by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), one of the oldest minting institutions in the world, renowned for its craftsmanship and dedication to producing high-quality coinage. The coin was struck as a part of a limited edition to honor Lafayette’s heroic contributions to the American Revolution. The Piefort version of the coin is especially notable, as this refers to a special minting process that produces a coin with a particularly deep strike and greater relief. The result is a coin with heightened three-dimensional detail, offering a more dramatic and visually striking appearance compared to the regular strike version. The Piefort strike is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity, detail, and the impressive craftsmanship that goes into creating each coin.

The design of the 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin is both elegant and historically significant, reflecting Lafayette’s influence during the American Revolution. On the obverse, the coin features a detailed portrait of Lafayette himself, showcasing his distinctive facial features and military attire. The design is meant to evoke a sense of respect for his leadership and bravery during the conflict. Surrounding his likeness are inscriptions that identify the coin’s purpose and provide context for the historical event it commemorates. The reverse of the coin depicts an allegorical scene featuring Lafayette’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, emphasizing the Franco-American alliance that was essential to the ultimate victory. The reverse design also includes the denomination "100 Francs," as well as the year of issue, "1987," marking the coin’s release during the bicentennial celebrations. The high-relief design of the Piefort coin is evident in the bold, almost sculptural rendition of both Lafayette and the historical imagery, showcasing the detailed work that went into the coin’s production.

The 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin was struck from .900 fine silver, which is typical for commemorative issues of this nature. The coin weighs 22.2 grams and has a diameter of 37 mm, providing a substantial presence that enhances its appeal to collectors. The use of silver as the metal ensures that the coin has intrinsic value in addition to its numismatic and historical significance. The metal content, combined with the artistic and historical elements of the coin, makes it an attractive option for collectors of both modern and historical French coinage. As a commemorative coin, the 1987 LaFayette Piefort provides both aesthetic value and the potential for long-term appreciation due to its rarity and significance in the context of the American Revolution’s bicentennial celebrations.

The mintage of the 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin was limited, making it a rare item among collectors of world coins. Only a select number of coins were struck, further enhancing its desirability. While the exact mintage number may vary slightly depending on the source, it is generally understood that fewer than 50,000 pieces were produced in total, with a smaller portion being made in the Piefort version. This limited mintage contributes to the coin’s rarity, making it a sought-after collectible in the market. Because of its relatively low production numbers and its historical significance, the coin’s value has seen steady growth among collectors and investors over time. The 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin is an excellent example of a modern commemorative piece with both numismatic and historical appeal, and its limited mintage makes it a treasure for those fortunate enough to add it to their collections.

The condition of the 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin is a critical factor in determining its value. Coins that are in mint condition, free from blemishes, wear, or scratches, are particularly valuable to collectors. An uncirculated coin, which has never been in circulation and has retained its original mint luster, is the most sought after. Piefort coins, in particular, are known for their enhanced detail, and coins in pristine condition showcase the high level of craftsmanship and design that went into their creation. A coin that is carefully preserved and stored in protective conditions is more likely to maintain its original appearance and value. Because of its relatively low mintage and the intricate design, a well-preserved 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin can command a premium price in the market.

The 1987 LaFayette Piefort coin is a remarkable representation of both French and American history. It pays tribute to the extraordinary role of Marquis de Lafayette in securing victory for the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, and it commemorates the enduring friendship between France and the United States. The high-relief Piefort strike adds a striking visual quality to the coin, making it not only a valuable collectible but also a beautiful piece of art. With its limited mintage, silver composition, and historical significance, this coin has become a highly sought-after item for collectors of both French and American numismatics. As time passes, its rarity and importance will likely continue to grow, making it an enduring piece in the history of world coinage.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1987
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
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• Grade: N/A