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Orbis Collectibles

French 20 Francs Gold Coin

Also known as: Napoleon, Louis d'or (colloquial)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

19th–early 20th century

Issuing entity

France

The French 20 francs gold coin, colloquially called a napoleon, is a standard French circulating gold denomination first authorized under the Consulate in 1803. The coin was produced across the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries under successive regimes, spanning the Consulate, the Napoleonic Empire, restored monarchies, and republican eras.

Struck at 21 millimeters in diameter with a gross weight of 6.45 grams at 90% gold purity, the denomination contains 5.807 grams of pure gold. Designs vary by political period, displaying either the bust of the reigning ruler—such as Napoleon Bonaparte—or republican motifs including the Angel, Genie, Ceres, and Rooster types.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

First authorized by the Monetary Ordinance of 28 March 1803 under First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte, the twenty-franc piece established the Franc Germinal standard. It served as France's principal circulating gold coin and formed the basis for the Latin Monetary Union standard, circulating widely across Europe until World War I. In addition to domestic mints, Napoleonic pieces were struck across roughly twenty-three mints, including facilities in annexed territories such as Turin, Rome, Genoa, Geneva, and Utrecht. In 1815 during the Hundred Days, twenty-franc coins for King Louis XVIII were also produced at the London Mint to pay British troops occupying parts of northwestern France.

Physical characteristics

Metal
Gold
Denomination
Twenty francs

Design

Types
Bust of the ruler, or the Angel, Genie, Ceres and Rooster types of the republican periods

Identification

Mint marks
French mint marks and engraver privy marks appear on the edge or field depending on period
Recognition pointers (from background sources)
Verify the standard physical dimensions: a diameter of 21 mm and a gross weight of 6.45 grams. Examine the obverse and reverse legends, such as 'Bonaparte – Premier Consul' or 'Napoléon Empereur' paired with 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' or 'EMPIRE FRANÇAIS'. Identify the portraiture or design type, ranging from bare-headed or laureate ruler busts to republican types like the Angel, Genie, Ceres, and Rooster. Look for specific mint marks (letters such as 'A' for Paris, 'K' for Bordeaux, or 'W' for Lille) alongside master engraver signatures or privy marks.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Research required
Mint or printer mark
Recorded
Catalogue reference
Research required
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Weight and fineness to be transcribed from a verified reference
  • Type-by-type list with mint marks to be compiled
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