France 5 Francs - 1795 Hercules Group

October 2024

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A typically worn example of the First Issue of the Hercules Group designed by the famous engraver Augustin Dupre (1748 - 1833) dated L'AN 4 (Revolutionary Calendar = 1795/96). His designs, replete with Revolutionary (& Freemason) symbols, are to be seen in the French Revolutionary era coin designs. With the French Revolutionary Wars these design themes and symbols can be found over much of Europe. They were specified symbols decreed by the French Republic and the National Convention.
On July 27, 1794 the French Revolutionary Parliament seized control of the government, executing those in charge, including their leader Maximilien Robespierre. This ended the year long Terror and the government was now controlled by a 5 man committee known as the Directory. With this came a new decimal currency unit - the Franc, divided by tenth and hundredths, a system adopted by the United States of America. Hercules was chosen as a central figure, espousing UNION and FORCE (power). Notably he retains his lion skin cloak but gone is his club. Now he stands as a brother to figures of Liberty (previously Mariane with staff and Liberty Cap) on one side and Equality (symbolised with the Masons triangular level) on the other. This design was used until 1803 with the advent of Napoleon Bonaparte. However, during the revolution of 1848 - 1849 the Hercules Group returned and did so again during the Paris Commune revolution of 1871. The Hercules Group reappeared in 1951 - 1980, and on several bullion type issues since. The edge of the original coin series shows "NATIONALE GARANTIE" to help inspire confidence in the new currency made from silver obtained from their European conquests.