Finding Collecting French 20-franc gold coins in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Historical Significance

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

The French 20-franc gold coin series represents one of the most historically significant and accessible gold coin collections available to collectors today. Spanning multiple political regimes from the French Revolution through the Third Republic, these coins offer both historical depth and relative affordability that make them perfect for roll hunters and cherry pickers.

The series includes coins from nine distinct periods: the First Republic (1792-1804), the First Empire under Napoleon I (1804-1814/15), the First Restoration (1814-1815), the Hundred Days (1815), the Second Restoration (1815-1830), the July Monarchy (1830-1848), the Second Republic (1848-1852), the Second Empire under Napoleon III (1852-1870), and the Third Republic (1870-1898).

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through bulk lots or estate sales, several key markers can help identify valuable specimens:

• Date ranges: The most commonly encountered dates are from the Third Republic period (1871-1898) featuring the iconic rooster design. These are often available at only 2-3% above spot price in BU condition.
• Mint marks: Look for mint marks on the reverse, typically near the date. Paris mint coins carry an “A” mark, while other French mints used different letters.
• Edge inscriptions: Most 20-franc coins feature the edge inscription “DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE” (God Protects France), which can be crucial for authentication.
• Weight and dimensions: Genuine 20-franc gold coins should measure approximately 21.0 mm in diameter and weigh 6.39-6.45 grams depending on the specific issue.

Spotting Restrikes

One of the most important skills for cherry picking French 20-franc coins is identifying restrikes. The rooster design was restruck in significant quantities from 1907-1914 and again around the 1950s. According to NGC population reports, coins dated 1906 and earlier are generally safe from being restrikes.

Restrikes often show different edge lettering or lack the original mint marks. The 1912 rooster mentioned in the forum is specifically noted as a restrike, weighing 6.45 grams compared to the earlier 6.39-gram standard.

Value Guide

Based on the forum discussion, here’s what collectors can expect to pay for various conditions:

• Common dates in BU: As low as 2% above spot price
• Common dates in XF-AU: 5-10% above spot
• Scarce dates (Hundred Days, early Republic): Can range from $6,000 to $15,000 in AU condition
• Common dates in circulated condition: Often available at spot price or slightly above

The forum contributor who built a collection noted that prices in the U.S. are often lower than in France, likely due to lower domestic demand. This presents an opportunity for American collectors to acquire these historically significant coins at favorable prices.

Circulation Finds & Bulk Lots

French 20-franc gold coins occasionally appear in unexpected places. The forum mentions that thirty years ago, French banks would sell “Napoleons” at small percentages above spot value. While this practice has largely ended, similar opportunities still exist:

• Estate sales: Often overlooked by sellers who don’t recognize their historical significance
• Antique shops: May be mixed in with other old coins or jewelry
• Online auctions: Bulk lots sometimes contain these coins among other gold pieces
• Private collections: Discreetly offered by collectors downsizing their holdings

One contributor noted finding a pristine specimen that looked “like it just came from the mint,” highlighting the potential for discovering exceptional pieces in unexpected places.

Authentication Tips

When examining potential finds, pay attention to these details:

The 20-Franc coins are “Marianne-Coq” to the French. I collect them, but I’m lacking the 1900 & 1902 dated pieces. Also need the 1898 pattern. Three of mine are slabbed, the rest are raw.

This quote emphasizes the importance of knowing the complete series. The “Marianne-Coq” (Marianne Rooster) design features the Roman goddess Marianne on the obverse and a rooster on the reverse. Earlier versions feature Napoleon I or other historical figures.

For authentication, examine the edge lettering carefully. The “liberté, égalité, fraternité” inscription should be crisp and evenly spaced. On later issues, Genius (the person holding the pen) is not writing anything on the new constitutional document, which is a distinguishing feature of the Third Republic issues.

Building Your Collection

The forum discussion reveals that building a complete collection requires patience and strategy. One collector expanded their original nine-coin goal to thirteen coins to capture all major varieties. They target coins in XF to BU condition for affordability.

Key rarities to watch for include:

• 1793 First Republic issues: Very pricey, even in lower grades
• Hundred Days issues: Challenging to find, especially in higher grades
• 1898 pattern: A specific variety mentioned as missing from one collection

The collector who posted images of their collection noted that gold price fluctuations can impact collecting strategy. When gold reached higher levels, they found themselves “priced out” temporarily, highlighting the need for patience in building such a collection.

Conclusion

French 20-franc gold coins offer an accessible entry point into historical gold coin collecting. Their combination of historical significance, relative availability, and potential for finding exceptional specimens in circulation makes them ideal for roll hunters and cherry pickers. Whether you’re searching through bulk lots at estate sales or carefully selecting from dealers, understanding the series’ history, key markers, and value ranges will help you build a meaningful collection that spans one of Europe’s most turbulent and fascinating historical periods.

The key to success is patience, knowledge, and the willingness to search beyond traditional dealer channels. As one forum contributor discovered, sometimes the best finds come from expanding your search to include French dealers or waiting for the right opportunity when gold prices make collecting more accessible.

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