● Guide

50 francs Hercule silver: value and buy-back

Published on 26/07/2026 · By Sébastien Joumel
In brief

The 50 francs Hercule silver coin (1974-1980) contains 27 g of fine silver (30 g at 900‰). It's the largest modern French silver coin. Its value follows the silver rate first. Here's how to identify it, estimate its value and sell it.

What the 50 francs Hercule is

Struck from 1974 to 1980, the 50 francs Hercule reprises the famous Hercules group (Liberty and Equality). Its specs: 30 g at 900‰ fineness, i.e. 27 g of fine silver, 41 mm diameter. It's the largest silver coin of the Fifth Republic.

How to estimate its value

Intrinsic value = 27 g × the day's silver rate. As silver is far cheaper than gold, a single coin's value stays modest, but a batch quickly adds up to a substantial weight. For pricing, see silver coin pricing.

Selling it at the right price

As with gold, compare buy-back rates: a good buyer states the silver rate and its margin. Coins in good condition and complete batches negotiate better. See also our guide silver buy-back.

Compared with the 10 francs Hercule

The 10 francs Hercule (1965-1973) is smaller (25 g, 900‰, 22.5 g of fine silver). The 50 francs therefore holds more silver per coin; by silver weight, the value logic is identical.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 50 francs Hercule silver coin worth?

It rests on its 27 g of fine silver (intrinsic value = 27 g × the day's silver rate). As silver is worth far less than gold, the per-coin value is modest, but a batch quickly adds up.

How much silver is in a 50 francs Hercule?

It weighs 30 g at 900‰ fineness, i.e. 27 g of fine silver, 41 mm diameter. It's the largest silver coin of the Fifth Republic (1974-1980).

Does the 50 francs Hercule have a premium?

Generally low: the value comes mostly from the silver. Some years or exceptional grades may interest collectors, but most is calculated on the fine-silver weight.

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