Photo is illustrative!
Reverse: The reverse shows the denomination (20 FRANCS) and date encircled by a wreath of oak leaves. The words “LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE” appear between the wreath and the rim.
The French Angel is surrounded by more mystique than perhaps any other coin. Owning the famous Angel gold coin has always been considered good luck.
A Coin That Saved The Designer
As the medallist to King Louis XVI, Augustine Dupré was appointed to design new coinage for
France. The new coin Dupré created first appeared on the 1 Louis D'Or in 1792. The designer was sentenced to lose his head on the guillotine during the French Revolution. According to legend, however, Dupré was able to bribe his guard with the Angel coin he carried in his pocket and made his escape.
Legend also says that Napoleon Bonaparte always carried an early French Angel in his pocket…until losing it the night before the fateful Battle at Waterloo. This Battle marked the beginning of his downfall.
Both investors and collectors love the French Genius 20 Franc gold coin for its storied history, innate beauty, 90% gold content, and relatively short mintage period.
The design of this coin appeared on 20 Franc gold coins in three different periods – 1848-1849, 1871-1898 and 1899-1906.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Face Value |
Diameter |
Proof |
Coin weight
in grams |
Gold weight
in grams
|
Gold weight in
Troy ounces (oz) |
| 20 Frank |
21 mm |
900 |
6.4516 |
5.806 |
0.1867 |
|
)
)
20 mm
986
3.442g
