A true symbol of French numismatic heritage, the Napoleon 20 francs coin holds a special place in the hearts of both collectors and investors. Created in the early 19th century under Napoleon I, this gold coin is far more than a means of payment: The history of the Napoleon 20 Francs coin, embodies legacy, political power, and the drive for economic stability. A piece rich in history!
Origin and Context of the Napoleon 20 Francs Coin
On March 28, 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul, introduced a new gold coin: the 20 francs. It replaced the Louis d’or, the royal coin used until the French Revolution. The Napoleon coin was part of a modernization effort, with strict standards for weight (6.45 grams), gold purity (900‰, or 5.81 g of pure gold), and diameter (21 mm).
It bore Napoleon’s image, in line with the tradition of coins depicting rulers. It was issued under various political regimes, yet always maintained its standardized format.
A European Currency Ahead of Its Time
With the foundation of the Latin Monetary Union in 1865, the Napoleon 20 francs coin became a benchmark for several European countries. Its format was adopted in Switzerland (20 francs Vreneli), Italy (lira Marengo), and Belgium. This success demonstrates the reliability of France’s monetary standards at the time.
Diverse Designs and Portraits
While commonly referred to as the “Napoleon coin”, 19 different portrait types actually exist. The first version featured “Bonaparte First Consul,” later replaced by a laurel-crowned emperor. Other rulers followed: Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis-Philippe, Napoleon III. During the Second Republic, republican symbols such as Ceres and the Winged Genius appeared. The Third Republic introduced Marianne.
The reverse side also saw variations: laurel wreaths, inscriptions like “Empire Français” or “République Française”, and the imperial eagle engraved between 1861 and 1870 by Jean-Jacques Barre.
A Witness to History and a Stable Asset
Produced until 1914, the Napoleon 20 francs coin spanned 111 years of history while maintaining the same weight, size, and gold content. It’s estimated that around 500 million coins were minted, totaling about 3,000 tons of gold.
A Safe-Haven for Investors and Collectors
Today, the Napoleon 20 francs coin is highly sought-after. Its value goes well beyond its gold weight. Rare coins with specific dates or mint marks can sell for much more than their gold content. They are both a strategic investment and a numismatic collector’s item.
More common coins remain accessible and highly liquid. They offer a great way to diversify one’s wealth while relying on the security of a tangible asset.
The Napoleon 20 Francs Coin: A Golden Legacy
Balancing historic richness and financial value, the Napoleon 20 francs coin remains a precious witness to French history. It continues to appeal to both antique coin collectors and investors seeking long-term stability. A timeless golden treasure to own, pass on, or collect.
Want to learn more about investing in precious metals? Read our article on why invest in precious metals.
