Louis Philippe I, ROI DES FRANCAIS, 90% Gold 20 Francs or 40 Francs Coin (Tentative Identification)
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Historical French Mint Alloy). Typical warm reddish-yellow tone from 10% copper alloy.
Purity: 900/1000 Fine Gold (21.6K). This reflects 90% pure gold content, standard for the Latin Monetary Union era coins.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
900/1000 Fine Gold (21.6K). This reflects 90% pure gold content, standard for the Latin Monetary Union era coins.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Historical French Mint Alloy). Typical warm reddish-yellow tone from 10% copper alloy.
Weight
6.45g (for 20 Francs) or 12.90g (for 40 Francs). These are historical standard specifications for French gold coinage.
Description
A historic French gold coin featuring the bare-headed profile of King Louis Philippe I. The portrait depicts the 'Citizen King' in a realistic Neoclassical style. These coins served as both circulating currency and a store of wealth during the 19th century and remain a staple of European gold investing.
Key Features
Bare head portrait facing right; dentillated borders; 'ROI DES FRANCAIS' title reflecting his constitutional monarchy status.
Color & Finish
Dull yellow luster with significant surface scratches and a greyish-brown patina known as 'cabinet friction' or circulation toning.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse inscription: 'LOUIS PHILIPPE I' and 'ROI DES FRANCAIS'. The engraver signature 'DOMARD F.' is typically visible at the base of the neck.
Dimensions Estimate
21mm diameter for 20 Francs or 26mm for 40 Francs; approx 1.3mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metal coin with no decorative stones or inlays.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge. The edge typically contains the raised or incised lettering 'DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE'.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. Coin features a reeded (milled) edge to prevent gold shaving/clipping.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck using high-pressure screw presses. The hair detail is finely engraved by Joseph-François Domard, exhibiting precision in the curls and facial structure.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details in the hair; specific font styles of the period; authentic wear patterns. Note: This item appears silver-colored in the photo, which may indicate it is a silver 5 Francs equivalent OR a gold coin with significantly degraded surface/lighting issues.
Origin & Maker
France; struck at various mints such as Paris (A mint mark) or Lille (W mint mark).
Era & Period
July Monarchy (1830-1848). This specific style reflects the 'Bare Head' portraiture of Louis Philippe I.
Age Estimate
Circa 1830-1848. Production dates for this specific obverse design fall within the monarch's reign.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition from absolute monarchy to a constitutional form in France; a symbol of the 19th-century French bourgeoisie and expansionist economy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Note significant surface abrasions, heavy scratches on the cheek/neck, and edge knocks. Signs of heavy circulation and improper storage.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value (approx. $450-$500 USD for a 20F) plus a small numismatic premium of 5-10% depending on rarity of the mint mark/year.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; handling by the edges only. Store in a PVC-free coin capsule. Use a soft cloth if necessary, but avoid chemicals.
Similar Items
Napoleon III Gold 20 Francs (Laureate Head), Ceres 20 Francs, or the silver 5 Francs of the same design (which is visually similar if the color is silver).
Interesting Facts
Louis Philippe I was the last King of the French. These coins were produced in the millions and became the basis for the Latin Monetary Union standards.