France 40 Francs Louis Philippe I

The 40 Francs Louis Philippe I coin is a notable piece of French numismatic history, struck during the reign of Louis Philippe I from 1831 to 1848. These gold coins are part of the broader series of French Franc coins that were used widely throughout the 19th century, making them appealing to both collectors and investors.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): The portrait of Louis Philippe I, King of the French, facing right. The inscription typically reads 'LOUIS PHILIPPE I ROI DES FRANÇAIS,' encircling the portrait.
• Reverse (back): Features a simple wreath surrounding the inscription '40 FRANCS' with the date and the words 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' beneath.
• Weight: 12.903 grams
• Gold Content: Approximately 0.3734 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The 40 Francs Louis Philippe I coins were struck at several French mints, each identifiable by a specific mint mark. The mint mark is usually located on the reverse of the coin:

• Paris (mint mark 'A'): The Paris Mint produced the majority of these coins, making them more common.
• Bordeaux (mint mark 'K'): Coins from Bordeaux are less common and can be more valuable.
• Lille (mint mark 'W'): Lille-minted coins are also less frequently encountered in the market.
• Lyon (mint mark 'D'): Coins from Lyon are somewhat scarce.
• Marseille (mint mark 'MA'): Coins from Marseille are relatively rare and sought after.
• Rouen (mint mark 'B'): Rouen mint coins are desirable due to their limited mintage.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Coins minted in Paris typically have higher mintages, making them more accessible to collectors and investors. These coins are often found in better conditions due to their relatively high production numbers.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Some dates and mint marks are particularly rare and can command higher premiums. For instance, coins from the Marseille mint (mint mark 'MA') are among the rarer varieties and are highly prized by collectors.

Various Grades and Values

The value of the 40 Francs Louis Philippe I 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:

• Good (G): $600-800
• Fine (F): $700-900
• Extremely Fine (XF): $900-1,200
• About Uncirculated (AU): $1,200-1,500
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $1,500-2,000

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

The 40 Francs Louis Philippe I is an important piece of French coinage history. Coins from less common mints, such as Marseille and Rouen, 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.

40 Francs Louis Philippe I Auctions