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

Understanding the French 20-Franc Gold Coin Market

If you’re looking to add these historic coins to your collection, you need a strategy to get the best deal. French 20-franc gold coins represent one of the most accessible and historically significant series for collectors and investors alike. These coins, often called “Napoleons” or “Marianne-Coq” by French collectors, span nearly two centuries of French history and offer tremendous variety.

Where to Buy French 20-Franc Gold Coins

The forum discussion reveals several key purchasing strategies that market analysts should consider. First, don’t limit yourself to domestic dealers. As one collector discovered, prices for these coins are often significantly lower in the United States compared to France, despite the coins’ French origin. This price differential exists because demand is lower on this side of the Atlantic.

Online auction sites and specialized coin dealers both offer opportunities, but each has advantages. Online auctions can provide competitive pricing, especially if you’re patient and strategic with your bidding. However, be aware that some listings may include restrikes, which are reproductions of original designs minted years later.

Traditional coin dealers, both online and brick-and-mortar, offer the advantage of expertise and authentication. Some collectors mentioned being able to purchase these coins at banks in France 30 years ago at just a small percentage above spot value, though this practice has largely disappeared.

Red Flags to Watch For

Several warning signs emerged from the discussion that every buyer should heed. Restrikes are perhaps the most significant concern. The Rooster design, minted from 1899 to 1914, has restrikes from around the 1950s, particularly for coins dated 1907-1914. One collector noted that population reports make it obvious which dates are safe – anything up to 1906 appears to be original strikes.

Authentication is crucial. The forum discussion mentioned that some coins are slabbed (professionally graded and encapsulated), while others are raw. For French coins, there’s an additional consideration: you want to see the edge of the coin, where the “liberté, egalité, fraternité” lettering appears. If you send a coin to a third-party grading service, request a slab that shows the edges.

Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. While some coins can be found at just 2% above spot price, this typically applies to common dates in lower grades. Rare dates or high-grade examples command significant premiums.

Negotiating Tips for French 20-Franc Gold Coins

Negotiation strategies vary depending on where you’re buying. From dealers, you might have more room to negotiate on raw coins or those in lower grades. Slabbed coins, especially those with high grades from reputable services, typically have less price flexibility.

Timing can be everything. One collector mentioned that building their collection “from time to time” made it affordable. This patient approach allows you to watch the market and buy when prices are favorable. Gold price fluctuations also affect these coins, so monitoring spot prices can help you time your purchases.

When dealing with international sellers, be aware of shipping costs, import duties, and currency exchange rates. These factors can significantly impact the final price, sometimes making domestic purchases more economical despite higher listed prices.

Raw vs. Slabbed: Making the Right Choice

The forum reveals a mixed approach to slabbing among collectors. Some have three of their coins slabbed while keeping others raw. The decision often depends on the coin’s rarity, grade, and personal preference.

For common dates in circulated condition, raw coins often represent better value. You can examine the coin personally and avoid grading fees. However, for high-grade examples or rare dates, slabbing provides authentication and can enhance resale value.

One collector specifically mentioned wanting to see the edge lettering on French coins, which is a consideration when deciding whether to slab. Not all grading services offer edge-view slabs, so this might influence your choice of grading company if you decide to slab.

Building a Strategic Collection

The original poster’s strategy of building a type set spanning different French governmental periods is excellent. The set includes coins from the 1st Republic, 1st Empire (Napoleon I), 1st Restoration, Hundred Days, 2nd Restoration, July Monarchy, 2nd Republic, 2nd Empire, and 3rd Republic.

However, as the discussion evolved, collectors realized that a complete set might require 13 coins rather than 9 to capture all major varieties. This includes different versions of the Marianne design from 1793, 1848-1849, and 1871-1898.

Condition strategy is crucial. The original poster targeted XF to AU condition to keep coins affordable. This is wise, as mint-state examples of certain dates, particularly from the Hundred Days period, can be extremely expensive.

Specific Dates and Varieties to Consider

Based on the forum discussion, here are some key dates and varieties to research:

• 1810 Napoleon I (mint mark W-Lille, privy mark Caduceus)
• 1912 Rooster (note: this is a restrike)
• Coins from the Hundred Days period (extremely challenging and expensive)
• 1793 First Republic issues (very pricey in any condition)
• Louis Philippe issues from 1831

One collector shared their collection progress, showing coins from various periods including the First Republic, Hundred Days, and Louis Philippe reign. Their approach of gradually building the collection over time is practical and budget-friendly.

Market Analysis and Current Trends

The discussion reveals that French 20-franc gold coins remain accessible despite rising gold prices. One collector noted that even with gold around $3,500 per ounce (at the time of their writing), building a collection was possible with patience and strategic purchasing.

The historical significance of these coins cannot be overstated. They represent the transition from monarchy to republic and back multiple times, making them fascinating historical artifacts as well as precious metal investments.

Currently, the market appears favorable for American buyers, with lower demand translating to better prices compared to the French market. This presents an opportunity for collectors willing to do their research and shop strategically.

Authentication and Research Resources

The forum discussion highlighted several valuable resources. Population reports from grading services can help identify potential restrikes. One collector shared a link to NGC’s census reports for French coins, which proved useful for determining which dates are likely original strikes.

For French speakers, there are detailed articles about distinguishing between original strikes and restrikes. One particularly valuable resource discussed the difference between “Coq” and “Pinay” restrikes, though it requires translation for non-French readers.

Conclusion: Strategic Collecting Pays Off

Collecting French 20-franc gold coins offers tremendous historical value and investment potential. The key to success lies in patient, strategic purchasing. Focus on building a coherent type set rather than chasing every date, be vigilant about restrikes and authentication, and don’t be afraid to shop internationally for better prices.

Whether you’re interested in the Napoleonic era, the revolutionary period, or the various republics and monarchies that followed, these coins offer a tangible connection to French history. With gold prices fluctuating and the historical significance of these pieces, now might be an excellent time to begin or expand your collection.

Remember the advice from experienced collectors: take your time, do your research, and focus on quality over quantity. A well-curated collection of French 20-franc gold coins will provide both financial value and historical enjoyment for years to come.

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