Long before the Euro was introduced as a common form of currency for the nations of Europe participating in the European Economic Zone, the continent had the Latin Monetary Union. At the heart of this monetary system was the French Franc Gold Coin. Commonly available in 10, 20, and 40 Franc denominations, these coins are often referred to as the Euro-before-the-Euro. Right now, you can buy 20 Francs France Gold Coins online from Provident Metals.

Highlights:

• Arrives with an individual plastic flip!
• Offered in Almost Uncirculated condition!
• Available with dates from 1853 to 1870!
• Contains .1867 Troy oz of actual gold content.
• Bears a face value of 20 Francs.
• The obverse depicts Emperor Napoleon III.
• On the reverse, you will find either a wreath with the denomination or the French Imperial Coat of Arms.
• Please note that these coins may arrive with matching dates and designs if you buy more than one.

With your purchase of the 20 Francs France Gold Coins online at Provident Metals, you will receive a coin that is in Almost Uncirculated conditions. Coins of this age in this condition are impressive. AU coins exhibit medium to near-full luster with extremely light or trace wear and friction on only the highest relief points of the coin. Please note that the possible date range for this listing is 1853 to 1870.

Provident Metals offers these coins to you from random years. We do not guarantee a specific date or design in advance. All items will be picked from available inventory after your payment has cleared. If you buy more than one, you may end up receiving coins with the same dates and designs.

Obverse

The obverse of 20 Francs France Gold Coins comes with an image of Emperor Napoleon III. His effigy is captured in right-profile relief on all coins in this range and was designed by Desire-Albert Barre. However, there are two possible effigies of Napoleon III. Coins from 1853 to 1860 depicted a younger Napoleon III with no laurel wreath on his head, while coins dated 1861 to 1870 featured an older Napoleon III with a laurel wreath on his head. Inscriptions accompanying either design are the same and read NAPOLEON III, EMPEREUR, and BARRE.

Reverse

On the reverse side of the 202 Francs Gold Coins in this listing, you will find the image of either a laurel wreath with the denomination at the center or the Imperial Coat of Arms of the Second French Empire. Both designs again came from Barre, with the wreath design used from 1853 to 1860 and the coat of arms used from 1861 to 1870. Inscriptions on this face of the coin include EMPIRE FRANCAIS, 20 FR, and a date mark. These coins also have edge lettering that reads DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE, which translates as God Protects France.

History

Napoleon III was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and ruled France from 1848 until his capture in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. Napoleon III was the first President of France when he ruled the Second French Republic from 1848 to 1852, but he staged a coup in 1852 to remain in power. He established the Second French Empire and reigned as Emperor Napoleon III.

Ordering

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Provident Metals can assist you at 800-313-3315, chat with you live online, or respond via email.