Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Collecting French 20-franc gold coins Without Getting Ripped Off

If you’re looking to add French 20-franc gold coins to your collection, you need a strategy to get the best deal. These coins offer a fascinating window into European history, spanning the revolutionary fervor of the First Republic through the imperial grandeur of Napoleon and into the modern era. But navigating this market requires knowledge of where to buy, what red flags to watch for, and how to negotiate effectively.

Where to Buy French 20-Franc Gold Coins

The market for French 20-franc gold coins is surprisingly diverse, with options ranging from local dealers to international marketplaces. Based on collector experiences, you’ll find the most competitive pricing in the United States, despite these being French coins. One collector noted that prices in the U.S. are “much lower” than in France, possibly due to lower demand on this side of the Atlantic.

Your primary purchasing options include:

• Specialized coin dealers: Look for dealers with expertise in world gold coins and French numismatics. They often have better knowledge of varieties and can help authenticate pieces.
• Online marketplaces: Platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and specialized numismatic sites offer wide selections but require careful vetting of sellers.
• European dealers: While potentially more expensive, European dealers may have access to coins that never make it to American markets.
• Local coin shows: These events allow you to examine coins in person and negotiate directly with sellers.
• Bank connections: Historically, French banks would sell “Napoleons” at small premiums over spot value, though this practice has largely disappeared.

Red Flags to Watch For

The most critical warning for French 20-franc collectors is the prevalence of restrikes, particularly with the popular Rooster design. As one collector discovered, “Roosters were minted from 1899 to 1914, but some if not all of those minted from 1907 to 1914 are restrikes.” These restrikes were struck decades later, around the 1950s, despite bearing earlier dates.

Key red flags include:

• Unusually low prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. One collector noted seeing coins listed “for as little as 2% above the spot price of gold,” which should raise suspicion.
• Vague seller descriptions: Be wary of listings that don’t specify whether a coin is original or a restrike.
• Missing edge lettering: The “liberté, egalité, fraternité” edge lettering is crucial for authentication, especially on Rooster coins.
• Uncertified coins of high value: For expensive pieces, particularly those from rare periods like the Hundred Days, certification provides important protection.

Raw vs. Slabbed: Making the Right Choice

The decision between raw (uncertified) and slabbed (certified) coins depends on your collecting goals and budget. Raw coins offer significant cost advantages, as evidenced by collectors who have built impressive sets without pursuing high grades. One collector shared images of ten coins in their collection, noting that “since I’m not chasing them in high grade, I can afford them from time to time.”

However, slabbed coins provide authentication and grade verification that can be crucial for:

• High-value coins: The Hundred Days coin, for instance, is described as “pricey,” making certification worthwhile.
• Rare varieties: Coins from the First Republic or other scarce periods benefit from third-party authentication.
• Investment purposes: Certified coins typically command higher prices and are easier to resell.

For the Rooster series specifically, one collector advised that “you’re safe with anything up to 1906” based on population reports, making raw coins a viable option for these more common dates.

Negotiating Tips for Better Deals

Successful negotiation in the French 20-franc market requires understanding both the historical context and current market conditions. Gold prices have risen significantly, with one collector noting that when they started their collection, gold was about $3500 per ounce, and “you know where it is now.” This price volatility affects your negotiating position.

Effective negotiation strategies include:

1. Buy in volume: Dealers are often more willing to offer discounts on multiple purchases or complete sets.
2. Time your purchases: Market demand fluctuates, and dealers may be more flexible during slower periods.
3. Build relationships: Regular customers often receive better pricing and first access to desirable coins.
4. Know your grades: Understanding the difference between XF and AU condition can help you spot overpriced coins.
5. Consider raw coins for common dates: As mentioned earlier, raw coins from common periods can offer significant savings.

Building Your Collection Strategically

Based on collector experiences, a strategic approach to building your French 20-franc collection involves several considerations. One collector initially planned a 9-coin set but expanded to 13 coins to capture all major varieties. They target coins in XF to BU condition to balance affordability with collectibility.

The historical periods represented in a comprehensive set include:

• First Republic (1792-1804)
• First Empire (Napoleon I, 1804-1814)
• First Restoration (1814-1815)
• Hundred Days (1815)
• Second Restoration (1815-1830)
• July Monarchy (1830-1848)
• Second Republic (1848-1852)
• Second Empire (Napoleon III, 1852-1870)
• Third Republic (1870-1898)

The Hundred Days coin presents particular challenges, with one collector noting it as “a challenge especially if you are seeking an MS example.” The First Republic coins are also notably expensive, with AU condition examples ranging from $6,000 to $15,000 depending on mint mark.

Authentication and Certification

For collectors serious about their French 20-franc gold coins, understanding authentication is crucial. The Rooster design, while beautiful, requires particular attention to edge lettering. As one collector noted, “you really want to see the edge of the coin too, for the ‘liberté, egalité, fraternité’ lettering.”

When seeking certification, consider:

• PCGS and NGC: These major grading services have experience with French gold coins and provide reliable authentication.
• Edge view slabs: For Rooster coins, request slabs that show the edge to verify the complete design.
• Population reports: Use these to understand rarity and verify whether a coin might be a restrike.

Conclusion

Collecting French 20-franc gold coins offers a rewarding journey through European history, but success requires careful navigation of the market. By understanding where to buy, recognizing red flags, choosing between raw and slabbed coins strategically, and employing effective negotiation tactics, you can build a meaningful collection without overpaying.

The market rewards patience and knowledge. As one collector discovered, prices in the U.S. can be significantly lower than in France, and raw coins from common periods offer excellent value. Whether you’re pursuing a complete type set spanning the revolutionary and imperial periods or focusing on specific designs like the iconic Rooster, informed buying decisions will serve you well.

Remember that the most challenging pieces, like the Hundred Days coin or First Republic examples, may require years of patient searching and careful budgeting. But as collectors have demonstrated, building a comprehensive collection of French 20-franc gold coins is not only possible but deeply rewarding for those willing to learn the market and exercise patience in their acquisitions.

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