1986 France Silver 100 Francs Piedfort Statue of Liberty BU

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In 1986, France issued a remarkable silver coin to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. Struck in 0.900 fine silver, this piece contains 0.868 troy ounces of precious metal. It is crafted as a piedfort, a special minting style that produces a coin with twice the thickness and weight of a standard issue. Historically, these substantial, double-thick pieces were reserved for royalty, nobility, and significant ceremonial occasions, making them a fascinating area of study for design enthusiasts. The obverse of the coin displays the Statue of Liberty accompanied by soaring doves, flanked by the dual commemorative dates of 1886 and 1986, alongside the inscription "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE". On the reverse, the design showcases a liberty cap, the 100 Francs denomination, and the classic French national motto "LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ". This brilliant uncirculated coin stands as a heavy, tangible tribute to a shared symbol of freedom.