The 20 Franc denomination that originated in France during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte would go on to become one of the most important gold coins in European history. Throughout the 19th century, this coin denomination was widely circulated in France and beyond. By the 1870s, it would form the backbone of the Latin Monetary Union. Surviving specimens in the 21st century are a popular choice with collectors, and the 20 Franc denomination remains one of the most coveted. Now, 20 Francs Gold France Coins from the reign of Napoleon III are available to you for purchase online at Silver.com with NGC MS60-plus certifications.
Coin Highlights:
- Coins ship to you in protective plastic slabs from the NGC!
- Comes with a unique, France-themed label!
- Available dates include 1861 to 1869!
- Coins have certified grades between MS60 and MS62!
- Consists of .1867 Troy ounce of actual gold content.
- Issued a face value of 20 Francs.
- Napoleon III is on the obverse.
- French coat of arms on the reverse.
- Please keep in mind we do not guarantee a specific date or grade with your purchase and it is possible to get matching items when buying multiples.
Napoleon Bonaparte may have introduced the coins of the Gold Franc denomination to Europe, but one of the most common figures on the coins still available today is his nephew, Napoleon III. Born Charles Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon III was the first man elected as President of France when he won office in 1848 during the 2nd French Republic.
He would go on to declare himself Emperor of the French and change from ruling as President Louis Napoleon Bonaparte of the Republic to Napoleon III, Emperor of the French during the 2nd French Empire. During his reign, three versions of the Gold 20 Franc were issued by the French Mint and its many branches. All of the 20 Franc coins of his reign were designed by Jean Jacques Barre.
Napoleon III features on the obverse of these 20 Francs Gold France Coins. In the third design, Napoleon’s effigy was adjusted slightly to include a laurel wreath around his head. He is set in right-profile relief with his name to the left and title to the right. The name of the designer, Barre, features at the bottom.
An ornate version of the French coat of arms is found in the reverse design of 20 Francs Gold Coins. This design was also created by Barre and also debuted with the third version release of the coins. All coins in this listing will have these same two designs as the third version artwork was used from 1861 until Napoleon III’s downfall in 1870.
These 20 Francs Gold France Coins are available with plastic slabs and grades between Mint State 60 and Mint State 62. Regardless of the specific grade, these coins are lustrous specimens with attractive, sharp details for specimens that are more than 150 years old. Additionally, the coins have no wear patterns present from circulation.
Silver.com offers these coins with the possibility of date marks from 1861 to 1869 and grades from MS60 to MS62. We do not guarantee a specific date or grade in advance. All coins are chosen at random from in-stock inventory once your payment clears. Please keep in mind it is possible to receive matching items if you buy multiples.
Silver.com customer service is available at 888-989-7223. Additionally, you can chat with us online or email us directly with questions when buying gold.
