5 francs Semeuse Essai piéfort argent 1968

Piéforts have been produced by the Monnaie de Paris since at least the medieval period, originally as official proofs submitted to auditors verifying that dies met specification weight standards. By the 20th century they had become deliberate collector pieces, struck at double thickness on polished blanks. The 1968 essai piéfort series coincided with one of the most turbulent years in postwar French history — the May '68 general strikes shut down much of French industry, including briefly the mint itself.

GEM 153.P3 distinguishes this piéfort from the standard essai of the same year by its silver content and striking weight.