French 20 Francs Gold Coin

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

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Period

19th–early 20th century

Issuing entity

France

Gold twenty-franc coin of France, issued in successive types across the Consulate, Empire, monarchies and Republic, colloquially called a napoleon.

Historical context

The twenty-franc piece was the principal French gold circulating denomination and a member of the Latin Monetary Union standard.

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

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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