ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Unknown · CC0
50 Francs Pasteur
France
1995–2001
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$34.36
Based on Silver spot price ($79.16/oz) · 90.0% purity · 15g
Updated 6:41 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Years Minted | 1995–2001 |
| Composition | 90% silver |
| Weight | 15 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features a portrait of Louis Pasteur.
Reverse
Depicts symbols related to Pasteur's scientific work, such as microbes.
History & Notable Facts
The 50 Francs Pasteur coin prominently features a high-relief portrait of Louis Pasteur on its obverse, drawn from a late-life photograph that captures his intense gaze.
Struck at the Paris Mint using .900 fine silver, it was issued between 1995 and 2001 to commemorate Pasteur's contributions, including his development of the rabies vaccine. Production numbers fluctuated annually, but precise figures for later years remain undocumented, possibly lost in routine archival shifts. The reverse depicts a stylized microscope and bacterial cultures, reflecting his microbiological breakthroughs without unnecessary flourish.
Edge lettering includes the French Republic's motto, adding a touch of national pride to an otherwise straightforward design. As for myths, I've heard tales of these coins being "cursed" by unseen microbes—no, they won't make your collection sick.
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