Euro Fantasy: Collecting Modern French Silver Euro Coins
In 2008, France introduced a 5€ silver coin (50% silver content) with a mintage of 2 million. Sold in post offices, the coin initially circulated. However, once it became known that the coin was only legal tender in France, it gradually disappeared from circulation as people were hesitant to accept it as change.
The following year, a 10€ silver coin (90% silver content) from the same “Sower Running” series was released with a similar high mintage. While widely collected, it was rarely seen in circulation.
These 5€ and 10€ silver coins enjoyed considerable success, reminiscent of the popular silver 5 Franc and 10 Franc coins of the 1960s. Additional 15€, 25€, and 50€ coins were later released in the “Sower Running” series, but with lower mintages, ensuring they were primarily targeted for collectors and never entered widespread circulation.
In 2010, the first 10€ regional series (90% silver) was launched, again sold through post offices in their respective regions. High demand made acquiring the full set challenging, requiring collectors to network across France. These coins rarely circulated and quickly sold out. Some, like the “Champagne-Ardennes” coin, are now worth several times their original value.
The 2011 second series featured attractive designs and, despite a lower silver content (50%), remained popular among collectors. In 2012, the third and final regional series (50% silver), dedicated to famous French figures, generated less enthusiasm.
A 2013 series of 5€ coins themed around “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), each with a mintage of 2 million, proved successful despite a further reduction in silver content to 33%. These coins were also quickly acquired by collectors and rarely circulated. Subsequent 10€ series in 2014, 2015, and 2016, maintaining the 33% silver grade, have garnered less interest from collectors. All these euro coins remain legal tender in France, contributing to the ongoing fascination with modern French silver euro coinage for Euro Fantasy enthusiasts.