French 20 Francs Gold Coin - Napoleon III (Empire Français)
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), identified by the 'A' mint mark for the central coin. The institution is the official French national mint, active since 864 AD.
Pattern: Napoleon III 'Laureate Head' or 'Bare Head' series (Reverse side shown: Imperial Arms / Empire Français)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), identified by the 'A' mint mark for the central coin. The institution is the official French national mint, active since 864 AD.
Material
.900 Gold (90% Gold, 10% Copper). Contains 5.806 grams of pure gold (approx. 0.1867 troy oz). Not a silver item.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21mm. Standard Weight: 6.45 grams per coin. Thickness: approx. 1.25mm.
Description
A group of classic French 20 Franc gold coins, known colloquially as 'Napoleons'. These coins feature the Imperial Coat of Arms of the Second Empire on the reverse. They are iconic symbols of French monetary history and have served as a gold standard for European trade for over a century.
Key Features
Imperial Eagle motif, '20 FR' denomination, 'A' Paris mint mark, and distinctive .900 gold color characteristic of LMU (Latin Monetary Union) standards.
Material & Composition
.900 Gold (90% Gold, 10% Copper). Contains 5.806 grams of pure gold (approx. 0.1867 troy oz). Not a silver item.
Finish & Decoration
Struck coinage with a reeded edge. The reverse features the French Imperial Arms: a crowned eagle on a mantle, surrounding '20 FR', with the year below. Style: Second Empire Neoclassicism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'A' (Paris); Privymarks: Bee (Director) and Anchor (Engraver Albert-Désiré Barre). Text: 'EMPIRE FRANÇAIS' and '20 FR'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using a screw press or hydraulic press in a coin die. Manufactured under strict government standards for mass-produced currency.
Functional Features
Circulated legal tender (Historical). Features a reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the gold metal.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard numismatic item). Surfaces show characteristic gold luster and minor bag marks.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die striking. The level of detail in the eagle's feathers and the imperial mantle demonstrates the advanced minting technology of the 19th century.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the lettering, the depth of the rim denticles, and the specific 'A' mint mark alignment are consistent with genuine Monnaie de Paris strikes. Surface texture is consistent with struck gold, not cast replicas.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Paris Mint). Struck during the height of the 19th-century French economic expansion.
Era & Period
Second French Empire (1852–1870) under the reign of Napoleon III.
Age Estimate
Dated 1862 and 1864 visible in the image. Circa 1860-1869.
Cultural Significance
Represents the power of the Second Empire; these were the standard gold coins for the French middle class and were frequently hoarded during times of war and political instability.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). Surface shows moderate circulation wear on high points of the shield and crown. Some visible sulfur toning and light scratches. Overall Good/Very Good for numismatic purposes.
Value Estimate
Current market value is primarily based on gold spot price (melt value) plus a 3-8% premium, typically ranging from $420 - $480 USD per coin depending on the daily market.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free plastic flips or capsules to prevent environmental wear and scratches.
Similar Pieces
Swiss 20 Francs (Vreneli), Italian 20 Lire (Marengo), and Belgian 20 Francs (Leopold II), which all share the same weight and purity standards.
Interesting Facts
These coins were part of the Latin Monetary Union, which sought to unify European currencies. They are one of the most liquid forms of fractional gold bullion in the world.