France 40 Francs Louis XVIII

The Gold 40 Francs Louis XVIII, minted during the Bourbon Restoration, is a notable piece of French numismatic history. Issued between 1816 and 1824, these coins feature the portrait of King Louis XVIII and were struck in various mints across France, making them a significant collectible for enthusiasts and investors alike.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): The portrait of King Louis XVIII, facing right, with the inscription 'LOUIS XVIII ROI DE FRANCE' surrounding the image, and the date below.
• Reverse (back): Features the French coat of arms, with a crowned shield and the denomination '40 FRANCS' below, surrounded by a wreath.
• Weight: 12.903 grams
• Gold Content: 0.3734 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The Gold 40 Francs Louis XVIII was struck at several mints across France, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is typically located on the reverse, near the denomination:

• Paris ('A'): The Paris Mint produced a significant number of these coins, making them more common than other mint marks.
• Lille ('W'): Coins from the Lille Mint are less common and can be more valuable due to their relatively lower mintage.
• Bordeaux ('K'): Bordeaux-minted coins are less frequently encountered and are sought after by collectors.
• Toulouse ('M'): Coins from Toulouse are rare, especially in higher grades, adding to their collectible value.
• Marseille ('MA'): The Marseille Mint produced fewer coins, making these issues more desirable.
• Lyon ('L'): Lyon-minted coins are also relatively scarce, contributing to their higher value among collectors.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Coins minted in Paris, especially from the years 1818 and 1819, had larger mintages, often making these coins more common in the market today. These dates are frequently available and can be found in various conditions.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Coins from mints such as Toulouse ('M') and Marseille ('MA') are much rarer, especially in higher grades. For instance, the 1818-M and 1819-M are exceptionally rare dates. Additionally, coins struck in Bordeaux ('K') and Lille ('W') also hold higher value due to their lower production numbers.

Various Grades and Values

The value of Gold 40 Francs Louis XVIII 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 Mint and large mintage years).

• 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 or even tens of thousands for coins in higher grades.

The Gold 40 Francs Louis XVIII is a significant piece of French history. Coins from less common mints such as Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux, and Lille, as well as key dates, are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums. Common-date coins are more affordable and are popular among collectors and investors. The coin's value increases significantly with higher grades and more desirable mint marks.