20 French Francs Marianne Rooster Gold Coin | 1899-1914
The "20 Francs Marianne" was coined in between 1899 and 1914. All 20 French Francs gold coins have a fineness of 900/1000. These coins have a rich history and are popular amongst both investors and collectors.
Fine Weight and Fineness
The coin has a total weight of 6.45g, with a fine weight of 5.80g. The 20 Francs Marianne was minted in a gold copper alloy. The components are: 90% gold and 10% copper - resulting in a fineness of 900/1000. The diameter is 21.2 mm and the thickness is 1.30 mm.
Appearance
Due to the high copper content, the "20 Francs Marianne" has a distinctive golden reddish color. Bullion coins that are minted with a copper alloy can change color as the years pass. The natural color of copper turns from bright red (clipped copper) to dark red because copper corrodes over time. As part of the coins unique design, the knurling along the outer edge has an unusual and distinctive pattern.
The front shows the image of "Marianne", which is considered a national symbol of the French Republic. In the presentation she wears a Phrygian cap and laurel wreath on her head. Below the motif directly on the neck, the initials of Jules-Clément Chaplain can be seen, the creator of the portrait. Around the edge République Française can be read.
The design of the back is a Gallic rooster, walking on a flower meadow. The year of issue is embossed below the motif and to the right and left the nominal value is specified. The marginal inscription is "Liberte Egalite Fraternite", which means: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity - and is the motto of the French Republic.
History
Beginning in 1803, 20 Francs gold coins were minted in France- the first motive was Napoleon Bonapart. When the Latin Monetary Union (LMU) was established in 1865, 20 Francs gold coins were also legal tender in Belgium, Italy and Switzerland. The LMU was created by France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland on 23 December 1865 and disbanded in 1927.
In addition to the 20 Francs Marianne gold coin many more variants exist - they all show French kings. 20 Francs Gold coins are also called Napoleon.
Details
20 Francs Marianne Rooster
Country: France
Total weight: 6.45g
Fine weight: 5.80 g
Gold content: 900/1000
Diameter: 21.2mm
Thickness: 1.30mm
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Monnaie de Paris |
| Series | 20 Francs |
| Purity | 900/1000 |
| Fineweight | 5.81 gram |
| Gross Weight | 6.45 gram |
| Year of issue | Random |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 20 French Francs |
| Thickness | 1.25 mm |
| Diameter | 21.00 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |