French 20 Franc Gold Coin Value
Both Angel and Rooster types contain 0.1867 troy ounces of gold at 90% purity. One of history's most widely produced gold coins.
The French 20 Franc gold coin is one of the most widely produced gold coins in history. Hundreds of millions were minted between 1803 and 1914. Collectors call them "Napoleons" because Napoleon Bonaparte established the coin's specifications. Both major types (Angel and Rooster) contain the same gold: 0.1867 troy ounces at 90% purity.
Gold Content and Melt Value
The Two Main Types
Angel/Genius type (1871–1898): Shows a winged angel (the Genius of France) writing "CONSTITUTION" on a tablet. This design was used during the Third Republic's early years. The reverse features a wreath surrounding the denomination.
Rooster/Marianne type (1899–1914): Features Marianne (a symbol of the French Republic) wearing a Phrygian cap on the obverse. A rooster, the French national symbol, appears on the reverse. This is the more popular design with collectors.
Both types weigh 6.452 grams and contain identical gold. Napoleon III types (pre-1871) also exist with the emperor's portrait but follow the same gold standard.
Why They're Called Napoleons
Napoleon Bonaparte established the specifications for the 20 Franc gold coin in 1803. Every French 20 Franc minted afterward, regardless of design or political regime, followed his standard: 6.452 grams total weight, 90% gold purity, 0.1867 troy ounces of pure gold. The name stuck through five different forms of government.
The same gold standard spread across Europe through the Latin Monetary Union. Swiss 20 Francs, Belgian 20 Francs, and Italian 20 Lire all match the French 20 Franc in gold content. A "Swiss Napoleon" contains the same gold as a French one.
What Affects the Price
Design type. The Rooster design is slightly more popular with collectors than the Angel, but the price difference is small. Both trade close to melt value for common dates.
Date and mint mark. Most dates are common and trade near melt. A few low-mintage years command premiums. Paris ("A" mint mark) produced the vast majority. Provincial mint marks (like Strasbourg or Bordeaux) on pre-1870 issues are scarcer.
Condition. Brilliant uncirculated examples with sharp details and full luster sell for 10–20% above melt. Circulated coins in average condition sell at or near melt.
Napoleon III issues. Pre-1871 coins featuring Napoleon III's portrait have collector interest beyond the standard Angel and Rooster types, especially bare-head varieties from the 1850s.
Common Questions
Is a French 20 Franc the same as a Napoleon?
Yes. "Napoleon" is the informal name for any French 20 Franc gold coin, regardless of which design it carries.
How does it compare to a British Sovereign?
A Sovereign contains 0.2355 oz of gold. A French 20 Franc contains 0.1867 oz. The Sovereign has about 26% more gold. At today's prices, that's roughly a $245 difference in melt value.
Are French 20 Francs a good way to hold gold?
They're one of the most liquid foreign gold coins. Dealers worldwide recognize them, and they trade at low premiums above melt. Their small size also makes them practical for selling in smaller increments.
Get a Free Quote on Your French 20 Franc Gold Coins
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