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How to Identify 500 Francs Coins

The 500-franc gold coins are commemorative issues struck specifically for collector markets. France has produced gold since Roman times when it was known as gaul. The 20-franc gold coin was the last coin produced by France in 1914. To identify the 500-franc coin, look for its denomination, its date and use a coin guidebooks if necessary.

Things You'll Need

Coin guidebook

Instructions

Instructions
- 1
  Identify the denomination. To identify a coin as a 500-franc gold coin, look at the inscriptions on both sides to see if it says "500 Francs" and "Republique Francaise." Any 500-franc coin will have these inscriptions.
- 2
  Note the date. The 500-franc coins are commemorative coins with different designs for each time period. For example, the 1989-1991 coins feature designs inspired by the 1992 Winter Olympics held in France, while the 500-franc production of 1994 commemorates the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 3
  Use a coin guidebook to match the coins. A guidebook of world coins of the 20th century will have a part on French commemorative issues. Krause Publications are frequently found in bookstores and libraries. Simply look up the denomination, then the date and the coin will be featured. There are also websites that can provide assistance, such as the resource by Tax Free Gold.

Coin Collecting