France 100 Francs Lucky Angel

The 100 Francs Lucky Angel Gold Coin is a notable issue in French coinage, celebrated for its intricate design and historical significance. Minted primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this coin captures the essence of French artistry and is a favorite among collectors and investors.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): Features the 'Genius' or 'Angel' of the Revolution, standing and inscribing a tablet, symbolizing the French Constitution. The design is surrounded by inscriptions and the date appears below.
• Reverse (back): Displays a simple yet elegant design with the denomination '100 Francs' and the national motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
• Weight: 32.258 grams
• Gold Content: 0.9335 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The 100 Francs Lucky Angel was struck at several French mints, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is usually located on the obverse side:

• Paris (no mint mark): The majority of these coins were minted in Paris, making them the most common.
• Bordeaux ('L'): Coins minted in Bordeaux are less common and can be more valuable due to their lower mintage.
• Marseille ('M'): Marseille mintages are relatively scarce, adding to their desirability among collectors.
• Nantes ('A'): Coins from Nantes also have lower production numbers, making them more sought after.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Paris mint issues from 1878 to 1906 had relatively large mintages, making these coins more common in the market today. These dates often serve as bullion coins due to their availability and relatively low premiums above gold content.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Coins from Bordeaux ('L'), Marseille ('M'), and Nantes ('A') mints are much rarer, especially in higher grades. These coins command significant premiums due to their limited production.

Some key dates include the 1895 and 1904 issues, which have notably lower mintages and are highly desirable among collectors.

Various Grades and Values

The value of 100 Francs Lucky Angel Gold Coins depends on their condition (grade), rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins (Paris and large mintage years).

• Good (G): $1,200-1,400
• Fine (F): $1,300-1,500
• Extremely Fine (XF): $1,500-1,800
• About Uncirculated (AU): $1,800-2,100
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $2,100-2,500

Rare mint marks and key dates can command prices well into the thousands or even tens of thousands for coins in higher grades.

The 100 Francs Lucky Angel is a significant piece of French numismatic history. Coins from Bordeaux, Marseille, and Nantes mints, as well as key dates, are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums. Common-date coins are more affordable and may be sold as bullion, making them a popular choice for gold investors. The coin's value increases significantly with higher grades and more desirable mint marks.

100 Francs Lucky Angel Auctions