Napoléon 20 Francs | Gold

The 20 Franc gold Napoléon is the best known coin in France. GoldReserve offers here every type of 20 Franc gold coin. These coins are 900 thousandths fine, with a gross weight of 6.45 grams and a diameter of 21 mm. They were struck between 1803 and 1914.

Several effigies exist: Bonaparte First Consul, Napoléon Emperor, Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis-Philippe I, the Génie, Cérès, Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, Napoléon III and the Coq Marianne.

The coin shown is a laureate head of Napoléon III: the obverse carries the inscription « napoléon iii empereur » around the emperor’s right profile; the reverse carries « empire français », the face value « 20 francs » and the year framed by two laurel branches.

The edge of coins struck from 1803 to 1906 reads « Dieu protège la France ». That inscription was replaced in 1907 by the present French motto, « Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité », following the separation of Church and State; it appears either incuse or in relief. The 20 Franc gold coin, also called the Napoléon or the Louis d’Or, is the best known coin in France.

Please note: if you would like this coin in a particular version (year, effigy, detail and so on), please contact us before ordering so that we can tell you whether we hold it in stock. The price may then be revised according to the coin’s rarity and condition. The photograph is not contractual.

You can also browse our other gold coins and bars in the shop.