Francs to US Currency A Practical Guide to Exchanging Old Coins
Posted by: Ian • 24 Dec 2025
Ever stumbled upon a jar of old francs and wondered if they’re worth anything? Whether it’s leftover holiday money or a handful of coins from an inheritance, figuring out how to convert old francs to US currency can feel like a maze. The term "franc" itself is a bit of a curveball, as it could refer to currency from France, Switzerland, Belgium, or even several African nations.
This guide will provide practical tips and helpful advice to help you make sense of it all, showing you what you have and how to turn it back into cash.
Your Guide to Converting Francs to US Currency
Finding old foreign money often creates more questions than answers. You might be holding French Francs (FRF), which were officially replaced by the Euro back in 2002, or you could have some Swiss Francs (CHF), which are very much still in use today. The first challenge is simply telling them apart.
After that, what’s the next step? Many people instinctively think of their local bank, but you'll likely hit a dead end. Most high-street banks won't touch obsolete currency, and they’re almost always unwilling to handle foreign coins of any kind. This can leave you feeling like you're stuck with a pile of worthless metal.
This is exactly where a specialist currency exchange service comes in, offering a fast, easy, and hassle-free solution.
Why a Specialist Service Is Your Best Option
A dedicated currency exchange service is built to handle what others can't or won't. The entire process is designed to be quick, easy, and completely hassle-free, with real-world insights to guide you.
- No Sorting Needed: Don't waste your afternoon separating different coins and notes. Just send us your mixed collection, and we’ll handle the tedious part for you. It's a key part of our hassle-free promise.
- All Types Accepted: It doesn’t matter if your currency is obsolete, like the French Franc, or still in circulation. We can convert foreign coins and banknotes from all over the world.
- A 100% Guaranteed Process: From the initial valuation to the final payment, our service is transparent and secure, giving you total peace of mind.
This image shows a few examples of the old French Franc banknotes used before the country adopted the Euro.
Recognising designs like these is the first step toward realising that your leftover foreign currency still holds real value.
To help you get started, here's a quick rundown of the most common franc currencies you're likely to find.
Quick Guide to Franc Currency Types
| Franc Type | ISO Code | Status | Best Exchange Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Franc | FRF | Obsolete (replaced by Euro) | Specialist buyer like We Buy All Currency |
| Swiss Franc | CHF | In circulation | Banks, currency exchange, or specialist buyer |
| Belgian Franc | BEF | Obsolete (replaced by Euro) | Specialist buyer like We Buy All Currency |
| CFA Franc | XOF/XAF | In circulation | Specialist buyer or some currency exchanges |
| Luxembourg Franc | LUF | Obsolete (replaced by Euro) | Specialist buyer like We Buy All Currency |
As you can see, for any francs that are no longer in use, a specialist service isn't just an option—it's often the only option.
Our credibility is built on trust. We are the chosen currency exchange partner for major brands, including well-known charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces who rely on us to process foreign currency.
Instead of letting that jar of forgotten francs collect dust, you can easily convert foreign coins and banknotes into cash. Better yet, you can even choose to donate foreign coins to charity through our platform, turning leftover travel money into a meaningful contribution. Our service provides a simple, direct path to unlocking the hidden value in your old currency.
How to Identify the Francs You Own
So, you’ve got a handful of francs. The first step is to figure out exactly what you’re holding. ‘Franc’ is a broad term covering currencies from several countries, and they aren't all equal. Don’t worry, telling them apart is much easier than you might think, even if you're not a coin collector.
The most common ones you'll run into are French Francs (FRF) and Swiss Francs (CHF). A quick look at the coin or banknote usually solves the mystery. French currency will clearly state "République Française," while Swiss money says "Confoederatio Helvetica," which is just Latin for Switzerland.
Obsolete Francs vs Current Francs
This is the most important distinction you need to make. French Francs went out of circulation when France adopted the Euro back in 2002. They're no longer legal tender, which means high-street banks and exchange bureaus won’t touch them. But that doesn't mean they're worthless. Specialist services, like ours, exist specifically to exchange foreign coins and notes. If you want to dive deeper into specific designs and values, you can explore our detailed guide on former French coins.
The Swiss Franc, on the other hand, is still very much alive and kicking. It’s a stable, active currency that you can exchange at most banks, although you might have trouble with the coins. Its value changes daily on the foreign exchange market.
Key Takeaway: The single most important thing to do is find the country of origin. This one detail tells you whether you have an obsolete currency with specialist value or a modern one you can exchange more widely.
Swiss Francs and Their Modern Value
If you've spotted Swiss Francs in your collection, you’re holding a currency with a live market value. While its rate against the US Dollar is key for American transactions, here in the UK, we track it against the pound. Throughout mid-2024, for example, one British pound has been worth around 1.07 Swiss Francs. You’ll often see rates fluctuating in the 1.05-1.08 CHF/GBP range. Checking historical exchange rate data can give you a better sense of these trends. This live value makes Swiss Francs straightforward to convert, unlike their obsolete French cousins.
You might also find Belgian Francs (BEF) or Luxembourg Francs (LUF), which, like the French Franc, were replaced by the Euro. It’s also possible you have CFA Francs (XOF/XAF) from certain African nations. While still in circulation, they can be a real headache to exchange outside of specific regions.
Our fast and easy service simplifies this whole process. You don't need to sort anything out yourself; we identify, value, and provide a 100% guaranteed payment for all your leftover foreign currency.
Finding the Best Place to Exchange Your Francs
So, you've figured out what kind of francs you have. The next big question is, where do you actually turn them into pounds? You might find your options are a bit more limited than you'd expect, especially if you're dealing with obsolete currency or a mixed bag of coins.
Your first instinct might be to pop down to your local high-street bank with a handful of old French Francs. Unfortunately, this is almost always a dead end. When you start looking into where to exchange your francs, you’ll find that most various banking institutions will only handle current, in-circulation banknotes. They just aren't set up to deal with obsolete money or the small denominations you find with foreign coins.
The same goes for airport currency exchange desks—they’re geared up for travellers who need today's currency, so they'll have to turn away your old francs.
This simple guide can help you figure out if your francs are still in use or have become collector's items.
As you can see, the path forward really depends on whether the currency is still legal tender. This is the crucial detail that stops most standard exchange services in their tracks when it comes to older francs.
Comparing Your Exchange Options
Some people think about selling to coin collectors or dealers. While this can occasionally bring in more money for a truly rare or perfectly preserved coin, it's often a slow and unpredictable game. You have to find a reputable buyer, haggle over a price, and there's no guarantee you'll even make a sale. For a mixed collection of common coins and notes, it's rarely worth the hassle.
This is where a specialised currency buyback service really shines. We’ve designed our entire process to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free.
- No Sorting Needed: Forget spending hours separating currencies. Just send us your mixed collection of coins and notes, and we’ll do all the hard work for you.
- All Currency Welcome: We handle everything, from obsolete French Francs and old Belgian Francs to modern Swiss Francs and leftover foreign currency from dozens of other countries.
- A 100% Guaranteed Service: Our process is secure, transparent, and trusted by major brands, including national charities, supermarkets, airports, and even police forces.
The most practical choice for your leftover currency is a service that eliminates the roadblocks. Instead of being told "no" by banks, you get a straightforward "yes" and a simple process from start to finish.
Comparing Franc Exchange Methods
To make it even clearer, here's a look at how your main options stack up against each other. It really highlights the difference between trying the traditional routes and using a service built specifically for this purpose.
| Feature | High-Street Bank | Collector/Dealer | Our Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepts Obsolete Currency? | No, only current banknotes. | Yes, but only for rare or high-value items. | Yes, we accept all obsolete and current francs. |
| Accepts Foreign Coins? | Almost never. | Selectively, based on collectable value. | Yes, we accept all foreign coins. |
| Handles Mixed Currency? | No, you would need to sort everything yourself. | No, you'd need to negotiate for each type. | Yes, send it all in one go, no sorting required. |
| Process Speed | Instant (if accepted). | Can be very slow; requires finding a buyer. | Fast and efficient, payment is processed promptly upon verification. |
| Guaranteed Exchange? | No, rejection is highly likely for old currency. | No guarantee of sale. | Yes, our service is 100% guaranteed. |
| Convenience | Low, requires in-person visit and pre-sorting. | Low, requires research, negotiation, and shipping. | High, a simple online process from start to finish. |
As you can see, for a mixed bag of old francs, a specialist is really the only route that ticks all the boxes.
For anyone looking for a dependable way to manage their money, our guide on the https://www.webuyallcurrency.com/best-places-to-exchange-foreign-currency/ offers even more in-depth comparisons and tips. When it comes down to it, a specialist service is the only option that efficiently handles the unique challenges of converting obsolete francs and mixed coins back into cash.
Our Simple and Secure Exchange Process
Ready to turn that forgotten stash of francs into actual cash? We've designed our entire process to be fast, easy, and completely hassle-free. Forget the usual headaches of trying to exchange foreign coins, old banknotes, and leftover holiday money—our system is built on trust and simplicity, giving you a secure and straightforward experience from start to finish.
The journey starts with you gathering up all your leftover currency. The best part? There is absolutely no need to sort anything. Whether you have old French Francs mixed in with Swiss Francs, some leftover holiday coins, or obsolete banknotes, just pop them all in together. This one simple step saves you hours of tedious work.
Your Path to Payment
Once you’ve got your currency together, the next steps are just as simple. We’ve broken it down into a few key actions to make everything as transparent as possible. For a complete walkthrough, you can always check out our detailed guide on how it works, but here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Get a Free Quote: Head over to our website and get a free, no-obligation quote. Our online tools make it easy to estimate the value of your collection.
- Package and Post: Package your coins and notes securely and mail them to us. We offer plenty of helpful tips to ensure everything arrives safely.
- Expert Verification: The moment your package lands with us, our specialists get straight to work. They meticulously check every single coin and note to confirm the final value.
- Receive Your Payment: You get paid quickly, and you choose how. We can do a bank transfer, send it via PayPal, or post a cheque.
A Service Built on Credibility and Trust
Our credibility isn't just something we claim; it’s proven by the company we keep. We’re the trusted currency exchange partner for some of the UK's most respected organisations.
- Major Charities: National charities rely on us to process their currency donations efficiently and honestly.
- Leading Supermarkets: We handle all the foreign currency collected at major retail chains.
- UK Airports: We are the official partner for converting currency left in airport collection globes.
- Police Forces: Even law enforcement trusts us to process seized foreign currency.
This trust is built on our 100% guarantee to provide a secure, transparent, and hassle-free service, every single time.
Understanding the historical value of currencies like the franc can get complicated, often involving complex cross-rate calculations. Economic historians, for instance, use academic data to reconstruct the purchasing power of the pound sterling against francs over the centuries. You can learn more about these historical FX compilations, which show currency units per pound right back to the 19th century.
Our Promise to You: We've designed this process for your complete peace of mind. If for any reason you're not happy with our final valuation, we will return your currency to you completely free of charge. It’s that simple.
You can also choose to donate your foreign coins to charity through our service. It's a fantastic way to support great causes, turning your unwanted change into a meaningful contribution.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Your Currency Value
Getting the best possible return on your leftover currency is about more than just finding somewhere to swap it. After years of handling everything from a few holiday coins to huge, inherited collections, we've picked up a few insider secrets that can make a genuine difference. Follow this helpful advice, and you’ll be sure to get the maximum value when converting your francs.
One of the most common mistakes we see is people trying to "clean up" old coins before sending them our way. I get it, the intention is good. But polishing or scrubbing away the tarnish on old coins can completely destroy their collector value. A coin's natural patina is often a key part of its story and appeal to numismatists, and stripping it away can slash its worth.
Our advice is simple: leave your currency as you found it. Our experts know exactly how to assess its condition, patina and all. You'll avoid the risk of accidentally diminishing its value—a classic case of "less is more."
Unlocking the True Worth of Your Collection
Understanding what actually gives your currency value is key. Every single coin and note we see is assessed based on a few different factors, and it's rarely just about the number printed on the front.
- Face Value: This is what the currency was officially worth back when it was in circulation. For obsolete money like the old French Franc, this value is now mostly historical.
- Bullion Value: This is for coins made from precious metals like gold or silver. Their value is tied directly to the live market price of the metal they contain, nothing more, nothing less.
- Collector Value: Now, this is where things get interesting. Rarity, condition, and historical significance can make a seemingly low-value coin worth a small fortune to the right collector.
Our team evaluates every single item against all these criteria to make sure you get the best possible price. We handle the complex valuation, so you don't have to worry about it. For anyone looking to protect their funds after the conversion, understanding effective strategies for managing foreign exchange risk can be a crucial next step.
Handling Complex Collections with Ease
Picture this: you've inherited a big, mixed box of foreign money. It’s a jumble of pre-Euro French Francs, old Belgian Francs, modern Swiss coins, and notes from who-knows-where. Sorting through that yourself would be a monumental task, and you'd constantly worry about overlooking something valuable.
This is exactly where our service shines. Instead of you spending days or weeks researching and sorting, you can just send the entire unsorted collection straight to us. Our process is fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed to be hassle-free. We identify every piece, from the most common pocket change to the rarest banknotes, ensuring nothing of value is missed.
Historical exchange rates also provide a fascinating bit of context. For instance, data shows that in the decades before the Euro rolled in, one British pound often bought between 10 and 12 French Francs. You can discover more insights like this about historical GBP to FRF rates on Pound Sterling Live. We take all this historical and current data into account to give you a fair and accurate valuation, turning a complicated inheritance into a simple, profitable exchange.
Common Questions About Exchanging Francs
Even after reading our guide, you might still have a few questions about turning those old francs into cash. That’s perfectly normal. To help clear things up, we've put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often. Our goal is to make exchanging your leftover currency completely transparent and straightforward.
Can I Still Exchange Old French Francs?
Absolutely! This is one of the biggest myths we come across. While your local bank or high-street currency exchange will almost certainly turn away obsolete money like the old French Franc, our service is built for exactly that. We specialise in finding the value in foreign coins and notes that are no longer in circulation.
We assess both old banknotes and coins to figure out what they’re worth, ensuring that what seems like useless currency can be converted into real money. This is at the heart of what we do, giving you a reliable way to unlock the value hidden in your collection.
Do I Really Have to Sort All My Coins?
Not at all. We know that sorting through a big jumble of mixed foreign coins is a tedious job nobody wants to do. That’s why we’ve designed our process to be completely hassle-free. You can send us all your leftover foreign currency—coins and notes from different countries and eras—all mixed up in one bag.
Our team of experts will take care of all the sorting, identifying, and counting for you. This is a huge benefit our clients love, especially busy charities and people who have inherited collections. Plus, our 100% guarantee ensures you get a fair and accurate valuation for every single item we process.
How Do I Know Your Service Is Trustworthy?
Trust is the foundation of our entire business, and we’ve earned it by becoming the official currency exchange partner for some of the UK's most recognised names. We are trusted by major brands including:
- Major UK Supermarkets: Handling foreign currency collected from customers across the country.
- National Charities: We are the trusted processor for currency donations, turning leftover change into vital funds.
- UK Airports: Managing the currency collected in airport donation globes.
- Police Forces: We are entrusted to process seized foreign currency.
Our secure, transparent process is backed by this track record and our satisfaction guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind when you exchange foreign coins and notes with us.
What If Some of My Currency Is Damaged?
Don't let a few torn banknotes or tarnished coins put you off. Just send them to us along with the rest of your collection. We can often find value in currency that other services would reject on the spot. Our experts will carefully assess the condition of each piece and include any exchangeable value in your final payment.
It's all part of our comprehensive, hassle-free service. We aim to maximise your return, which means looking for value everywhere—even in damaged or worn currency. Our promise is simple: to make the entire process easy, fast, and rewarding for you.
Ready to turn your old francs and other leftover currency into cash? At We Buy All Currency, our process is fast, easy, and 100% guaranteed. Get your free, no-obligation quote today and discover the hidden value in your foreign coins and banknotes. Visit our homepage to get started: https://www.webuyallcurrency.com