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The French Revolution spanned a decade and dismantled the French monarchy, abolished the nation’s feudal system, and established the foundational principles of liberty and equality in France – inspiring the creation of democracies around the rest of the world. The French Revolution began in May 1789 after years of mounting debt from foreign wars, worsening social inequalities (the vast majority of the nation’s wealth was held by clergy and nobility), food shortages, and the combined influence of the Enlightenment and the success of the American Revolution, both the latter of which inspired the French to fight against rigid authoritarian rule and work toward the ideals of unity and liberty. It marked a total rebuke of King Louis XVI, who fell as the last king of France.
During the early months of the French Revolution, a pivotal event unfolded when revolutionary forces stormed Bastille prison, a medieval fortress that stored tons of gunpowder and stood as a symbol of monarchical tyranny. Even as the revolutionary campaign drew on for years, culminating in November 1799 with the establishment of the French Consulate and later the contemporary French Republic, Bastille Day soon became a rallying point for the French. It remains a major national holiday in France marked with parades, fireworks, and other celebrations.
Numismatists can honor the events surrounding Bastille in their own way by adding coins to their collection that recognize the advent of the French Revolution. One of the most popular coins is the 1989 France Human Rights 100 Francs, a commemorative piece that was issued in silver and gold formats and honors the bicentennial of the French Revolution.
The obverse depicts Genius drafting the constitution in a design by Augustin Dupré and engraved by Atelier de Gravure. The reverse is anchored by a stylized tree topped by a Liberty cap and emblazoned with the words “LIBERTÉ, EGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ,” or “LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY,” in a motif by Michel Durand-Mégret and engraved by Atelier de Gravure. While these French Revolution bicentennial coins could certainly be added on an individual basis to any collection, they can also be collected among a selection of French PCGS Registry Sets.