正面: A portrait in right profile of Emile Zola, with his name underneath "EMILE ZOLA", dates of his life and theme "1885 • 1985 / GERMINAL"
背面: Coal mines, value "100 ғ" (Francs), mintmarks, pentagon, cornucopia and dolphin, engraver "le breton" (Alain Le Breton). Motto at top "LIBERTE · EGALITE · FRATERNITE" (Liberty-Equality-Fraternity), date at bottom "1985" divides the State name "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" (French Republic)
