Depicts a portrait of the writer, dates and name on the left, a laurel branch on the right. Engraver's name below.

Denomination above armed figures, a scene from the novel "Les Miserables" in the centre, next to a manuscript, a quill and a mask, below the signature of Victor Hugo, country name divided by date.

Les Misérables is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, particularly the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.

Examining the nature of law and grace, the novel elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. Les Misérables has been popularized through numerous adaptations for film, television and the stage, including a musical.

Mint mark: Cornucopia, horn of plenty (Paris Mint - Paris until 1972 or Pessac from 1973)

Privy mark of the Mint's Chief Engravers: Dolphin - Emile Rousseau (1975-1993)

There are two varieties:
Type A: obverse face up when reading the edge
Type B: reverse face up when reading the edge

The national motto of France (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity)