> The 5 francs Semeuse silver coin (1959-1969) weighs 12 g at 835 fineness, i.e. 10.02 g of fine silver. The older 5 francs (1898-1920), heavier, contain mor *Source : https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/5-francs-silver-coin/* --- ● Guide # 5 francs silver coins (Semeuse, Hercule): metal value Published on **24/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel** In brief The 5 francs Semeuse silver coin (1959-1969) weighs **12 g at 835 fineness, i.e. 10.02 g of fine silver**. The older 5 francs (1898-1920), heavier, contain more metal. Value follows the fine weight times the spot price. ## Two families of silver 5 francs Two types of silver 5 francs must be distinguished. The **5 francs Semeuse silver coin (1959-1969)** weighs 12 g at a fineness of 835, i.e. a fine weight of 12 × 0.835 = **10.02 g of pure silver**. It is the most common today. The **older 5 francs (1898-1920)**, Semeuse type or others, weigh 25 g at 900 fineness, i.e. 22.5 g of fine — more than double. Note: 5 franc coins after 1969, in nickel or cupronickel, contain **no silver**. The year and weight settle it immediately. ## Calculating the metal value For a 1959-1969 Semeuse silver coin: **10.02 g of fine × the day's silver price**. For an older 1898-1920 5 francs: **22.5 g of fine × the day's spot**. The world spot is the same for everyone; only the professional's margin varies from one offer to another. For a batch, add up the fine weights coin by coin before multiplying by the spot. Our [silver buyback](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/silver-buyback/) page helps compare professionals. The approach is identical for the [50 francs Hercule silver coin](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/50-francs-hercule-silver-coin/), with a different fine weight. ## Premium, sorting and buyback The **numismatic premium** remains limited on common Semeuse 5 francs, struck in numbers. Some rare years or exceptional conditions may trade above the metal, but most volume is bought back at silver value. The older 1898-1920 coins, rarer in fine condition, can sometimes carry a premium. Before selling, sort your coins by type and year to avoid confusing silver with the later, silver-free 5 francs. At buyback, the professional weighs, checks the fineness and applies its schedule; payment is made by bank transfer or cheque above cash limits, with ID and register entry. ## Frequently asked questions Are all 5 franc coins silver? No. Only the Semeuse 1959-1969 (12 g, 835 fineness) and the older 5 francs 1898-1920 (25 g, 900 fineness) contain silver. Later 5 francs have none. How much fine silver is in a 5 francs Semeuse? The 5 francs Semeuse silver coin weighs 12 g at 835 fineness, i.e. 10.02 g of fine silver. Its metal value is calculated by multiplying that weight by the day's spot price. ## Read also [ Guide 10 francs silver coins (Turin, Hercule): buyback value ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/10-francs-silver-coin/)[ Guide 50 francs Hercule silver coin: weight, value, buyback ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/50-francs-hercule-silver-coin/)[ Guide Silver American Eagle: features and value ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/silver-american-eagle-value/) ## Sell at the best price near you Compare the silver buyers in your city. [See the rankings](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/silver-buyback/)