Description
The French 20 Franc Rooster is one of the most
affordable, and therefore popular, of all our classic European gold
coins. Each coin contains almost a fifth of an ounce (0.1867) of pure
gold and is available in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. It is ideal
for investors who have the ability to acquire from 20 to 1,000+ coins.
Design
The front of the French 20 Franc Rooster features
the head of the Third Republic surrounded by the words 'REPUBLIQUE
FRANCAISE'. The Third Republic was established after Napoleon III's
defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. This government remained in
effect until World War II. France currently operates under The Fifth
Republic.
The reverse depicts a proud, fully plumed rooster along with the
denomination (20 Fcs), the date, and the words 'LIBERTE ' EGALITE '
FRATERNITE'. This phrase, which translates to 'freedom, equality,
fraternity', was popularized during the French Revolution against Louis
XVI.
Minting Information
The original production run of French
20 Franc Rooster gold coins occurred between 1898 and 1914, with
surviving coins from the initial year considered especially rare. Coins
with dates from 1907-1914 were officially re-struck at the Paris Mint
in 1921 and again from 1951-1960.
Limited Supply
The original mintage of these coins was
fairly limited. Scarcity was increased by the melting of millions of
gold 20 Francs during the 1930's after private ownership of gold was
outlawed in the United States. Even more were melted in the 1970's and
80's when gold soared to $850 per ounce. Surviving French 20 Franc
Rooster gold coins in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, are especially
desirable today.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Gross Weight: 6.4516g |
Gold Content: 0.1867 troy oz. |
| Composition: 90% gold |
| Diameter: 21mm |
Dates: 1898-1914; 1921*; 1951-1960*
* All coins minted after 1914 were officially re-struck with dates from 1898-1914. |
| Mint: Paris |
