1866-A French Empire 20 Francs Gold Coin (Napoleon III)
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Warm historical alloy with copper content)
Purity: 21.6K (900/1000 fineness); contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper for durability
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (900/1000 fineness); contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper for durability
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Warm historical alloy with copper content)
Weight
6.45 grams gross weight; approximately 5.8 grams (0.1867 troy oz) of pure gold content
Description
A stunning historical gold coin from the height of the Second French Empire. This 1866 20 Francs piece features the ornate Imperial coat of arms on the reverse, consisting of a crowned eagle within a mantle, symbolising the power of Napoleon III's reign. The coin is a staple of European numismatics and a cornerstone of the Latin Monetary Union.
Key Features
Imperial Eagle crest; 'EMPIRE FRANCAIS' legend; 'A' Paris mint mark; distinctive 19th-century French reeded edge
Color & Finish
Deep rich yellow with warm orange-red undertones typical of vintage French gold; satin-luster field with frosted relief details
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'A' for Paris Mint; Barre (engraver) signature; Bee and Anchor privy marks visible on the reverse
Dimensions Estimate
21 mm diameter, 1.3 mm thickness; Standard French LMU (Latin Monetary Union) specifications
Gemstones & Inlays
None; features high-relief engraving of the Imperial Coat of Arms
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge for anti-clipping security; no jewelry clasp present
Chain & Links
N/A; edge is reeded (milled) to prevent metal shaving and ensure authenticity
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck on a high-pressure toggle press; features precise radial symmetry and high-depth relief typical of the Paris Mint
Authentication Indicators
Weight (6.45g), diameter (21mm), and die-struck detail sharpness; characteristic deep-strike on the date and mint marks
Origin & Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), France; Designed by Chief Engraver Désiré-Albert Barre
Era & Period
Second French Empire (1866); Napoleon III 'Laureated Head' period
Age Estimate
Dated 1866; 158 years old
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic stability of the 19th-century gold standard and the imperial ambitions of the Bonaparte dynasty
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (XF); minimal surface bag marks, crisp denticles along the rim, light patina in the recesses
Value Estimate
Valued at current gold spot price (~$450-$500) plus a numismatic premium of 5-15% depending on specific grade
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; handle by edges only with cotton gloves; store in a PVC-free archival capsule to preserve luster
Similar Items
Swiss Vreneli 20 Francs, Italian 20 Lire, Belgian 20 Francs; similar in gold content but differ in national iconography
Interesting Facts
The 20 Francs gold coin is often referred to as a 'Napoleon' regardless of which monarch is on the face; it set the standard for European currency for decades