20 Francs Louis Philippe I

20 Francs Gold Coin featuring the left facing portrait of King Louis Philippe I

The 20 Francs Louis Philippe I gold coin is a French gold coin that was minted during the reign of King Louis Philippe I, who ruled France from 1830 to 1848. This coin is part of the French Franc series and is significant for its association with the July Monarchy, a period marked by a constitutional monarchy that emerged after the July Revolution of 1830, which ousted the previous Bourbon king, Charles X.

Key Features of the 20 Francs Louis Philippe I Coin

Design

  • Obverse: The obverse of the coin features a profile portrait of Louis Philippe I, the “Citizen King,” who came to power after the revolution. He is shown facing right, with the inscription “LOUIS PHILIPPE I ROI DES FRANÇAIS,” which translates to “Louis Philippe I, King of the French.”
  • Reverse: The reverse side of the coin typically depicts the denomination “20 Francs” and the date of issue encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing peace and victory. Some versions also feature a mint mark and the words “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), reflecting the values of the post-revolutionary French Republic.

Specifications

  • Composition: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)
  • Actual Gold Weight (AGW): 0.1867 troy ounces
  • Diameter: 21 mm
  • Weight: 6.45 grams

Historical Context

  • Louis Philippe I was the last king to rule France, and his reign marked the end of monarchy in the country. His rule is known as the July Monarchy and was a period of relative peace and stability compared to the earlier turbulent Napoleonic and Bourbon periods. However, his regime ended in 1848 with the advent of the French Second Republic, a result of rising unrest and revolutionary fervor.
  • The design of the coin reflects the political balance Louis Philippe tried to strike between the old royalist traditions and the new revolutionary ideals. His title as “King of the French,” instead of “King of France,” underscored his appeal to the people, rather than hereditary rule.

Mint Marks

  • Like other French gold coins, the 20 Francs Louis Philippe I was minted at various mints across France. The mint marks include letters like:
    • A: Paris Mint
    • W: Lille Mint
    • BB: Strasbourg Mint

Collectibility and Investment

  • The 20 Francs Louis Philippe I is highly regarded by both coin collectors and investors. Its value is largely tied to its gold content, but numismatic value increases for coins in better condition or with rare mint marks and years. Because of its historical significance, this coin is popular among collectors interested in the French monarchy and 19th-century European history.
  • For investors, the coin represents a solid store of value due to its gold content and its steady demand in the collector market.

Value

  • The coin’s value depends on its condition (graded coins fetch higher prices), the year of minting, and the specific mint mark. Typically, the intrinsic value is closely linked to the current gold price, but its numismatic value can greatly exceed the gold value for well-preserved or rare examples.

Conclusion

The 20 Francs Louis Philippe I is not just a gold coin but also a piece of French history. It symbolizes a unique time in France’s political evolution, with its design embodying the constitutional monarchy that Louis Philippe I sought to establish. For collectors and investors alike, this coin offers both historical significance and tangible value due to its gold content and cultural importance.

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