Obverse: the obverse features the famous self-portrait of German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, created around the year 1500. Alongside the portrait are the inscriptions “Autoportrait de Dürer”, the initials “AD”, “RF” (République Française), and the year of issue 1997.
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 edge 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 some of Europe’s greatest artistic masterpieces. It commemorates one of Albrecht Dürer’s most celebrated self-portraits, now housed in Munich’s Alte Pinakothek. Dürer is regarded as one of the leading figures of the Northern Renaissance and one of the most influential printmakers in art history.
