Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Francs 1989, KM# 968, France, 100th Anniversary of the Eiffel Tower
  • 5 Francs 1989, KM# 968, France, 100th Anniversary of the Eiffel Tower
Description

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower.

Constructed in 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair, it was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design, but it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The Eiffel Tower is the most-visited paid monument in the world.

The tower is 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 125 metres (410 ft) on each side. The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. The top level's upper platform is 276 m (906 ft) above the ground – the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union.

Obverse

Eiffel Tower viewed from below, dates at right.

Engraver: Frédéric Joubert

TOUR
EIFFEL
1889
1989
F. JOUBERT

Reverse

Base of the tower, denomination above, surrounded by the country name.

Privy mark of mint's director: Dolphin - Emile Rousseau (1975-1993)

Mint mark: Cornucopia, horn of plenty (Paris Mint)

Engraver: Joaquim Jimenez

REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
5 F
J.JIMENEZ

Edge

5 Francs

KM# 968 Gadoury# 772 Schön# 263
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel
Weight 10 g
Diameter 29 mm
Thickness 2 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

Related coins

Directory, Consulate

Silver, 25 g, ⌀ 37 mm
1st Empire

Silver, 25 g, ⌀ 37 mm
1st Empire

Silver, 25 g, ⌀ 37 mm