France 10 Francs 1974 to 1987

Between 1974 and 1987 France minted 10 franc coins in a copper alloy, either nickel-brass or nickel-bronze. Before 1974, 10 francs were in silver, and after 1987, 10 francs returned to collectible silver and gold coins, with a few years of nickel 10 francs as well.

The copper alloy coins make for interesting collecting. The pattern shown in our picture is the 'standard' pattern for this type of coin. But several other patterns were produced as well, all of them very pleasing and artistic. In general, the 'special' pattern coins are worth slightly more than the 'standard' pattern:

10 FRANCS 'STANDARD' PATTERN
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $1
well preserved: $2
fully uncirculated: $4

10 FRANCS 'SPECIAL' PATTERNS
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $1
well preserved: $3
fully uncirculated: $8

French francs lost legal tender status in France during 2012, replaced by the euro. According to this neat page on coin collecting, typesets.wikidot [PRESS HERE], years 1983 and 1985 in the 'standard' pattern are more difficult to find and more valuable.

As always, condition means everything in coin collecting. The dazzler in our secondary image (to the right) netted an amazing $37 hammer price in a 2015 eBay auction. Remember, catalog values are only guides; actual buy and sell values can vary widely. Read our Important Terminology page.
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