Obverse: the obverse features Michelangelo’s famous Renaissance sculpture “David”, regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of world art. Alongside the sculpture are the initials “RF” (République Française), the year “1996”, the inscription “David”, and the artist’s name “Michel Ange” (Michelangelo).
Reverse: the reverse displays the denomination “10 Francs” and its equivalent “1/2 euro”, surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union. Around the coin are the inscriptions “Trésors des Musées d'Europe” (Treasures of Europe’s Museums) and France’s national motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
About the coin: this silver coin belongs to the French “Treasures of Europe’s Museums” series, dedicated to Europe’s most celebrated artistic masterpieces. It commemorates Michelangelo’s “David”, created between 1501 and 1504 and considered one of the defining symbols of Renaissance art. The original sculpture is housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. The coin also reflects France’s transition toward the euro, featuring both franc and euro values.
