Napoleon Gold Coins are French coins minted during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte and later during the reign of Napoleon III.
These coins are highly sought after by collectors and investors due to their historical significance, gold content, and beauty.
Types of 20 Francs Napoleon Gold Coins
Napoleon Bonaparte (1803-1815) – The Napoleon I Coins
After Napoleon Bonaparte became Emperor in 1804, the 20 Francs gold coin bearing his likeness was minted.
These coins are part of the Napoleonic Franc, introduced after the French Revolution.
The obverse of these coins features a portrait of Napoleon, either bareheaded or laureate (with a laurel wreath), depending on the minting year.
The reverse side features the denomination “20 Francs” encircled by a wreath, with the year of minting below.
Napoleon III (1852-1870) – The Napoleon III Coins
The second version of the 20 Francs Napoleon coin was minted during the reign of Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.
These coins bear the portrait of Napoleon III, who ruled as Emperor from 1852 to 1870.
Features the portrait of Napoleon III, sometimes depicted as “Napoleon III Empereur.”
Similar to the earlier versions, the reverse side features the denomination surrounded by a laurel wreath.
Specifications
- Gold Purity: 90% gold (22-karat)
- Gold Content: 0.1867 troy ounces of pure gold
- Weight: 6.45 grams
- Diameter: 21 mm
- Thickness: 1.3 mm
Historical Context
The Napoleon 20 Francs coins were introduced as part of France’s effort to standardize its currency after the French Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte sought to create a stable and reliable currency, and the gold franc was established as a key component of this system. The 20 Francs coin remained in circulation throughout the 19th century and was widely used in international trade.
The coin became part of the Latin Monetary Union in 1865, which standardized gold and silver coins across several European countries, making the 20 Francs coin an important currency in Europe during the 19th century.
Collectibility
Napoleon I coins minted between 1803 and 1815 are highly collectible due to their historical association with Napoleon Bonaparte’s reign.
Napoleon III coins, especially those in good condition, are equally valued by collectors interested in French history.
These coins represent a period of French and European history, particularly the Napoleonic Wars and the establishment of the French Empire, making them a blend of historical and investment value.
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.