French Mint Appraisal

Série Française 1997 Brillant Universel Coin Set

This item is a historical French coin set, presented in its original packaging from the Monnaie de Paris, likely a collector's edition. The packaging is a rectangular, textured cardstock or thin cardboard box, predominantly reddish-orange in color with a distressed or marbled pattern, suggesting a classic or antique aesthetic. The top surface of the box clearly displays the title 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' at the very top, followed by 'Série Française 1997', indicating the origin and year of the coin series. Below this, there is a central visual representation of various French coins from 1997, arranged in a circular pattern, with a prominent two-tone 20 Franc coin at the center. Other visible coin denominations include 1/2 Franc, 1 Franc, and 20 Centimes, all bearing the year '1997' and various French mottos like 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ'. Beneath the coin display, the phrase 'Brillant Universel' is printed, which typically denotes a Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish for coins, implying high quality and mint condition. At the bottom, the manufacturer 'MONNAIE DE PARIS' (Paris Mint) is explicitly stated, along with its stylized building logo. The overall condition of the packaging appears good, with some minor surface wear visible, particularly around the edges and corners, consistent with handling over time. There are no significant tears or major damage visible. The color remains vibrant. This set would appeal to numismatists and collectors of French history or currency. The quality of the printing and the presentation suggest it was designed as a premium collector's item, celebrating French coinage of that particular year, and likely contains a full set of the standard circulating coins from 1997 in a special finish.