The Napoleon Gold Coin is the nickname for coins from France minted during Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule and later during Napoleon III’s reign.
The Napoleon gold coins were introduced as part of France’s effort to standardize its currency following the French Revolution. Napoleon I established the gold franc as a stable currency within this system.
The 20 Francs entered circulation in 1803 and later became a cornerstone of the Latin Monetary Union (LMU) in 1865, which unified currency standards across member countries. While the LMU was dissolved at the beginning of World War I, some countries continued minting 20 Francs coins until 1945.
Coins minted during Napoleon I’s reign from 1803 to 1815 are notable for their historical connection to his rule and the establishment of the French Empire. Similarly, coins issued during the reign of Napoleon III (1852–1870) are sought after by collectors, particularly well-preserved examples.
These coins represent a significant period in French and European history, including the Napoleonic Wars and the broader impact of the French Empire. Their combination of historical significance and gold content makes them important to collectors and investors alike.
While collectors look for specific characteristics in these coins, investors seek them for their gold content and beauty.
1803-1815 Napoleon Bonaparte I
The 20 Francs gold coin is part of the Napoleonic Franc, introduced following the French Revolution as a replacement for the livre. The Franc was based on a decimal system, with the 20 Francs gold coin valued at 20 silver Francs.
This standardization made the Franc a reliable and widely accepted currency, influencing European monetary systems.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency Base | Decimal-based system: 1 Franc = 100 Centimes. |
| Gold Content | 20 Francs gold coin equivalent to 20 silver Francs. |
| Historical Significance | Played a key role in modernizing France’s monetary system and setting a precedent for European coinage. |
Obverse: Napoleon’s Portrait
The obverse design of the 20 Francs gold coin features Napoleon Bonaparte. The designs evolved during his reign, as shown in the table below:
| Design Type | Years | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bareheaded Napoleon | 1804–1807 | Depicts Napoleon without a crown or laurel, emphasizing simplicity and leadership. |
| Laureate Napoleon | 1807–1815 | Shows Napoleon wearing a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and authority, inspired by Roman emperors. |
Reverse: Denomination and Wreath
The reverse design remained consistent across minting years, featuring the denomination encircled by a wreath. Variations are highlighted below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wreath Styles | Early coins feature a delicate wreath; later coins depict a thicker, more robust wreath. |
| Denomination | Centered text reads “20 Francs,” with the minting year below. |
| Mint Mark | Mint marks appear near the bottom of the coin to indicate the mint of origin. |
Mint Marks and Locations
Napoleon’s 20 Francs gold coins were minted across various mints within the French Empire. Each mint is identified by its unique mint mark:
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Paris | Primary mint for French coinage. |
| B | Rouen | Produced a significant number of coins during Napoleon’s reign. |
| L | Bayonne | Smaller production volumes; coins from this mint are rarer. |
| M | Toulouse | Regularly minted 20 Francs coins during Napoleon’s time. |
| T | Nantes | Smaller mint contributing to the standardization of Napoleonic coinage. |
| K | Bordeaux | Known for its quality of minting and consistent designs. |
| BB | Strasbourg | Minted coins for both domestic use and territories under French control. |
| MA | Marseille | Produced coins for southern France and regional trade. |
Common Varieties and Types
The 20 Francs gold coin has several varieties based on minting years, mint marks, and minor design changes. Below is an overview:
| Type | Years | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| First Empire Issues | 1804–1814 | Bareheaded or laureate portrait; regular minting across multiple mints. |
| Hundred Days Issues | 1815 | Minted during Napoleon’s brief return to power; rare and highly sought after by collectors. |
| Restoration Overstrikes | 1815–1816 | Overstruck by the Bourbon monarchy to re-establish their rule, creating unique varieties. |
Value and Collectability
The value of 20 Francs gold coins depends on factors such as condition, rarity, and historical context. Below is a breakdown:
| Condition/Type | Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (VF-XF) | $400–$600 | Typical value for circulated coins with visible wear but clear details. |
| Uncirculated (MS60–MS63) | $800–$1,200 | Higher-grade examples with minimal wear command significant premiums. |
| MS65 or Higher | $2,000+ | Exceptional quality coins, especially rare mint marks, can achieve high auction prices. |
| Hundred Days Issue | $5,000+ | Rare coins from Napoleon’s 1815 return are highly prized. |
1852-1870 Napoleon III
The second version of the 20 Francs Napoleon gold coin was minted during the reign of Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled France as Emperor from 1852 to 1870.
These coins, often referred to as “Napoleon III Empereur” gold coins, represent another significant era in French monetary history, blending economic modernization with imperial symbolism.
Design
The obverse of the coins prominently features a portrait of Napoleon III, which underwent subtle changes throughout his reign:
| Design Type | Years | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bareheaded Napoleon III | 1852–1860 | Early coins depict Napoleon III without a crown or laurel wreath, reflecting simplicity and authority. |
| Laureate Napoleon III | 1861–1870 | Later coins feature Napoleon III wearing a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and imperial power, echoing Roman traditions. |
The inscription surrounding the portrait reads “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR.”
The reverse design of the Napoleon III 20 Francs coin is similar to earlier versions but includes unique features characteristic of the Second Empire:
| Reverse Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Denomination | The center of the reverse prominently displays the denomination “20 FRANCS.” |
| Laurel Wreath | Surrounds the denomination, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and imperial strength. |
| Mint Year | The year of minting is located below the wreath. |
| Mint Marks | Mint marks are placed near the bottom, identifying the specific mint where the coin was struck. |
Mint Marks and Locations
During Napoleon III’s reign, the 20 Francs coins were minted at various mints across France. Each mint is identified by a unique mark, often accompanied by an assayer’s mark indicating the official responsible for the coin’s quality.
| Mint Mark | Mint Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Paris | Primary mint for the Second French Empire, producing the majority of Napoleon III gold coins. |
| B | Rouen | Contributed significantly to coin production during Napoleon III’s rule. |
| L | Bayonne | A smaller mint with limited output, making these coins rarer. |
| M | Toulouse | Played an active role in minting high-quality gold coins for the empire. |
| T | Nantes | Produced smaller quantities of 20 Francs coins, adding to their collectability. |
| K | Bordeaux | Known for its consistent quality and distinctive mint mark. |
| BB | Strasbourg | Produced coins for both domestic and imperial territories. |
| MA | Marseille | Minted coins for the southern regions of France. |
Napoleon III Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper. |
| Weight | 6.4516 grams. |
| Gold Content | 0.1867 troy ounces. |
| Diameter | 21 mm. |
| Edge | Lettered edge bearing inscriptions such as “DIEU PROTÈGE LA FRANCE” (God Protect France). |
Varieties and Types
Several varieties of the Napoleon III 20 Francs coin exist, depending on the minting year, mint mark, and design features. Collectors often focus on these differences when building their collections:
| Type | Years | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bareheaded Type | 1852–1860 | Features Napoleon III without a laurel wreath; coins from smaller mints (e.g., Bayonne or Nantes) are rarer. |
| Laureate Type | 1861–1870 | Includes the laurel-crowned portrait, symbolizing Napoleon III’s peak imperial authority. |
| Rare Mint Marks | Various | Coins from smaller mints like Bayonne (L), Marseille (MA), or Strasbourg (BB) are less common and more valuable. |
| High-Grade Examples | All Years | Uncirculated coins (graded MS60–MS65 or higher) command significant premiums due to their scarcity. |
Value and Collectability
The value of Napoleon III 20 Francs coins varies depending on their condition, rarity, and historical context. Below is a general guide:
| Condition/Type | Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (VF-XF) | $400–$600 | Typical value for coins with visible wear but clear details. |
| Uncirculated (MS60–MS63) | $800–$1,200 | Higher-grade coins with minimal wear; sought after by serious collectors. |
| MS65 or Higher | $2,000+ | Exceptionally rare coins in top condition, especially those from smaller mints. |
| Rare Mint Marks | $1,500–$5,000+ | Coins from smaller mints or with unique features, such as overdates or assayer errors, fetch premium prices. |
The Napoleon III 20 Francs coin not only reflects the economic policies of the Second French Empire but also serves as a testament to the artistic and political ambitions of its ruler. As the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon III sought to emulate his uncle’s legacy, and these coins symbolize that connection to France’s imperial past. Their widespread use in commerce and trade further underscores their importance in European monetary history.
Investment Value
As with other gold bullion coins, the intrinsic value of the Napoleon 20 Francs coin is closely tied to the price of gold.
Coins in good condition or with rare mint marks can carry a significant premium over the gold content. Rare dates and high-grade examples can be worth much more than their melt value.
Compared to larger gold coins like the 1 oz gold coins, the 20 Francs coin is smaller and thus more affordable, making it attractive to collectors and investors looking for fractional gold pieces.
The 20 Francs Napoleon Gold Coins offer investors and collectors a piece of French history and a reliable gold investment. They are often sought after due to their recognized gold purity and their historical significance in the context of 19th-century European monetary systems.