20 Francs

The 20 francs gold coin is a numismatic piece that was historically used as currency in several European countries, including France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.

French 20 Francs “Napoleon” Coin

• History: The French 20 francs gold coin, often referred to as the “Napoleon,” was first issued during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s.
• Design: The design varied with the reigning leader, but a common version depicts the profile of Napoleon on one side (obverse) and the French Imperial Coat of Arms or other emblems on the other side (reverse).
• Gold Content: It typically contains .1867 troy ounces of gold and has a purity of 90% (21.6 karats).

Swiss 20 Francs “Vreneli” Coin

• History: The Swiss 20 francs gold coin, known as “Vreneli,” is one of the most famous gold coinages in Switzerland and was issued from 1897 to 1949.
• Design: The obverse shows the bust of a female figure symbolizing Switzerland, and the reverse features the Swiss shield over an oak branch with the denomination and date.
• Gold Content: Similar to the French version, it contains .1867 troy ounces of gold with 90% purity.

Belgian 20 Francs Coin

• History: Belgium also issued 20 francs gold coins in the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring designs that included the ruling monarch of the time.
• Design: The designs typically featured the head of the Belgian King on the obverse and the royal coat of arms or other symbols on the reverse.
• Gold Content: Again, these coins contained .1867 troy ounces of 90% pure gold.

These coins were widely circulated before the First World War and were part of the Latin Monetary Union, which standardized the mass and purity of coins among its member countries to facilitate trade and economic stability. In the contemporary market, 20 francs gold coins are popular among collectors and investors alike. They are considered semi-numismatic, which means they have value both for their gold content and for their historical and collectible appeal.

For collectors, the allure of these coins comes from its historical significance and the variety of designs from different eras and rulers. For investors, these coins offer a relatively affordable way to hold gold, often with lower premiums than modern bullion coins. They are also recognized for their liquidity due to their popularity and recognition in the gold market.