The 20 Francs Louis XVIII gold coin is a French gold coin minted during the reign of King Louis XVIII, who ruled France from 1814 to 1824, with a brief interruption during Napoleon’s return to power in 1815, also known as the Hundred Days. This coin belongs to the French Franc series and is historically significant for its connection to the Bourbon Restoration, the period when the Bourbon monarchy was restored to power in France following the defeat of Napoleon.
Key Features of the 20 Francs Louis XVIII Coin
Design
- Obverse: The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of King Louis XVIII facing right. Surrounding his portrait is the inscription “LOUIS XVIII ROI DE FRANCE,” which translates to “Louis XVIII King of France.”
- Reverse: The reverse side of the coin showcases the French Royal Coat of Arms, which consists of three fleur-de-lis symbols within a shield. The denomination of “20 Francs” and the date of minting are displayed around the shield, with a laurel wreath encircling the coat of arms.
Specifications
- Composition: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)
- Actual Gold Weight (AGW): 0.1867 troy ounces
- Diameter: 21 mm
- Weight: 6.45 grams
Historical Context
- The 20 Francs Louis XVIII was minted during the Bourbon Restoration, a time when the monarchy returned to power after Napoleon Bonaparte’s downfall. This era marked a return to conservative monarchy, although Louis XVIII had to navigate political tensions between royalists and Bonapartists, as well as manage the pressures of post-revolutionary France.
- The coin’s design reflects the royalist sentiment of the time, with the fleur-de-lis being a traditional symbol of the French monarchy.
Mint Marks
- These coins were produced at various mints across France. The mint marks, often found on the reverse of the coin, identify the mint location. Common mint marks for this series include:
- A: Paris Mint
- L: Bayonne Mint
- W: Lille Mint
Collectibility and Investment
- The 20 Francs Louis XVIII is popular among collectors due to its historical importance and relatively scarce mintage. Coins in excellent condition or those from certain years and mints may fetch higher prices due to their rarity. The gold content of the coin also makes it a solid investment, as it provides intrinsic value based on the price of gold.
Value
- The value of these coins can vary depending on condition, rarity, and market demand. While their intrinsic value is tied to their gold content, their numismatic value can be much higher, especially for well-preserved examples or rare mintages.
Conclusion
The 20 Francs Louis XVIII gold coin is not only a piece of France’s monetary history but also a reflection of the complex political shifts during the early 19th century in Europe. With its elegant design and historical significance, it remains a sought-after coin for collectors and investors alike, offering both historical allure and tangible value through its gold content.