How silver is priced in France
In France silver is quoted in euros per kilo for bars and per ounce for coins, and many investors buy the old French silver coins — the 5 francs Semeuse and the 10 and 50 francs Hercule. The figures here are spot silver converted at today's EUR/USD rate — the metal value before VAT and dealer premiums.
VAT on silver
The VAT exemption for investment gold does not cover silver: new silver bars and coins carry 20% VAT. Old French silver coins and other second-hand pieces are often sold under the margin scheme (régime de la marge), where VAT is due only on the dealer's margin, which is one reason the Semeuse and Hercule coins are popular.
Tax when you sell
Silver bars and coins are precious metals for French tax purposes, so the same choice as for gold applies when you sell: the taxe forfaitaire of 11.5% (11% plus 0.5% CRDS) on the full sale price, or — with an invoice proving the purchase date and price — tax on the gain at 19% plus social contributions, reduced by 5% for each year of ownership after the second and fully exempt after 22 years. A French dealer normally withholds the tax for you.
French silver coins and hallmarks
The 5 francs Semeuse (1959–1969) is 12 g of 835 silver, about 10 g pure; the 10 francs Hercule (1964–1973) is 25 g of 900 silver (22.5 g pure); the 50 francs Hercule (1974–1980) is 30 g of 900 silver (27 g pure); and the 100 francs commemorative coins of 1984–1997 are 15 g of 900 silver. Silver articles sold in France must meet a legal fineness and carry the state guarantee mark; pieces under 30 g are exempt from the state mark but must still meet the standard.
Tax and duty information last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your dealer or tax authority before a large purchase.