Sell a silver Semeuse
French small change from around 1900, with Oscar Roty’s sowing Marianne. Struck in 835 silver from 1898 to 1920.
- Purity
- 835‰
- Country
- France
- Silver rate
- €1.75/g
What do we pay for a silver Semeuse (50 centimes, 1 and 2 francs)?
Based on the silver rate of this moment, €1.75 per gram of fine material. As of:
| Variant | Fine silver | Total weight | We pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 francs | 8.35 g | 10 g | €14.00 |
| 1 franc | 4.175 g | 5 g | €7.00 |
| 50 centimes | 2.088 g | 2.5 g | €3.50 |
This price applies regardless of the year and the mint. With a rare year or exceptional condition the collector’s value can be higher than the material value – then we say so, even if that means you are better off not selling us the coin.
How we arrive at this amount
A coin is precious metal in a recognisable shape. What it fetches therefore depends almost entirely on the fine weight: the weight of pure silver it contains.
This coin is 835‰ pure. The rest of the alloy – usually copper – makes it harder and scratch-resistant, but has no value. That is why we calculate on the fine weight and not on what the scales say.
Oscar Roty’s sowing Marianne. From 1898 to 1920 in 835 silver; later coins with the same image are nickel.
Not sure whether your coin is genuine? We check weight, diameter, thickness and – if in doubt – the density with X-ray analysis. Non-destructive: your coin stays intact.
Also have a look at today’s silver rate or all silver prices.
Same image, different metal
The Semeuse is so well loved that France kept using her image well into the twentieth century. As a result there are coins with the same sowing woman in silver and in nickel. Only the pieces from 1898 to 1920 are silver, so the date is the first thing we look at.
The five francs Semeuse of 1959 to 1969 is silver too, but larger and of a different fineness. It has a page of its own.
How we settle
A franc weighs 5 grams and contains 4.175 grams of fine silver; the two-franc piece twice that, the 50 centimes half. We sort and weigh the silver as a lot.
How to sell your silver Semeuse (50 centimes, 1 and 2 francs)
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Do not polish it
With collector coins, cleaning can push the value down considerably. A natural patina belongs to them.
Bring it in
With or without an appointment, at one of our 45 locations. If the coin is in a holder, leave it in there.
We assess two values
The precious metal and what the coin itself does: year, mintage and condition. You get the higher of the two.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer. Larger amounts reach your account within 24 hours.
Also of interest
- Silver rate todayThe current silver rate per gram and per kilo, updated every minute.View
- All silver pricesWhat we pay per carat or alloy.View
- All coins and barsThe complete list of purchase prices per piece.View
- Spot price, premium and spreadWhy you never get back the premium you paid on purchase.View
Questions about selling silver Semeuse (50 centimes, 1 and 2 francs)
How do I tell whether my Semeuse is silver?
By the date: from 1898 up to and including 1920. Later coins with the same image are nickel, except the larger 5 francs from the 1960s.
How much silver is in a franc?
A silver franc of 5 grams contains 4.175 grams of fine silver.
Do I have to sort them myself?
No. Bring them as they are; we pick out the silver and give you back the rest.
Are there years with collector value?
A few, especially in very fine condition. The valuer sets them aside and assesses them separately.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about silver Semeuse (50 centimes, 1 and 2 francs)?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Koninklijke Nederlandse MuntThe mint that struck the Dutch coins and knows their fineness
- De Nederlandsche BankOn the guilder and exchanging old legal tender
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Have your silver Semeuse (50 centimes, 1 and 2 francs) valued?
Free and without obligation, at a location near you.