French Gold 20 Francs Napoleon III 'Tête Laurée' (Laureate Head)
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold with a slight coppery/orange hue characteristic of historic French coinage
Purity: 21.6K (90% Gold, 10% Copper), .900 Fine French standard
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (90% Gold, 10% Copper), .900 Fine French standard
Gold Type
Yellow Gold with a slight coppery/orange hue characteristic of historic French coinage
Weight
6.45 grams (approx. 0.1867 troy oz of pure gold content)
Description
A historic French 20 Francs gold coin featuring the laureate portrait of Emperor Napoleon III. This 'Tête Laurée' design signifies the peak of his reign, replacing the earlier bare-headed versions. The profile shows the Emperor with a laurel wreath, pointing toward the right, symbolizing his military and political triumphs during the mid-19th century.
Key Features
Laureate crown on portrait, 'BARRE' signature, beaded border, and distinct 'NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR' legend.
Color & Finish
Deep lustrous yellow with a warm copper-toned patina; original mint matte finish with minor circulation toning
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraver's name 'BARRE' (Désiré-Albert Barre) below the portrait; 'NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR' lettering
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of 21 mm; Thickness of approximately 1.3 mm
Gemstones & Inlays
None; standard struck metal planchet
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge for anti-clipping security (edge serrations)
Chain & Links
N/A (Solid coin with reeded edge)
Craftsmanship Details
Masterfully die-struck coinage; high relief portraiture with fine detail in the laurel leaves and facial hair, typical of 19th-century French artistry.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth, authentic font spacing, distinct Barre signature, and high-quality reeded edge. Weight of 6.45g is the most critical metric.
Origin & Maker
France; minted at the Paris Mint (indicated by the 'A' mint mark on reverse, not shown) or Strasbourg ('BB')
Era & Period
French Second Empire (Second Empire Français), dated between 1861-1870
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1861 to 1870
Cultural Significance
A symbol of French economic dominance in the 19th century and the cornerstone of the Latin Monetary Union, which attempted to unify European currencies.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (XF); shows minor high-point wear on the laurel leaves and mustache, but maintains sharp legends and overall detail.
Value Estimate
Retail value typically includes gold spot price plus a numismatic premium of 5-15% ($450 - $550 USD approx.)
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as it ruins numismatic value; store in the provided PVC-free plastic capsule.
Similar Items
20 Francs 'Ceres' head, 20 Francs 'Genius' (Lucky Angel), and Swiss 20 Francs Vreneli.
Interesting Facts
The 20 Francs gold coin is commonly called a 'Napoleon'. This specific design commemorates the expansion of the French Empire before the Franco-Prussian War.