France 40 Francs Charles X

The 40 Francs Charles X gold coin is a classic piece of French numismatic history, minted during the reign of King Charles X from 1824 to 1830. These coins feature a timeless design and were issued by various French mints, making them a significant collectible for numismatists and investors interested in European coinage.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): Displays the bust of King Charles X, facing right, with the inscription 'CHARLES X ROI DE FRANCE' surrounding the portrait. The date is located below the bust.
• Reverse (back): Features a laurel wreath encircling the denomination '40 FRANCS,' with the mint mark and date situated below.
• Weight: 12.903 grams
• Gold Content: 0.3734 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The 40 Francs Charles X coins were struck at several mints throughout France, with mint marks indicating their place of origin. The mint mark is usually located on the reverse side of the coin:

• Paris ('A'): The Paris Mint produced a significant portion of these coins, making them relatively more common.
• Lyon ('L'): Coins from the Lyon Mint are less common and can be more valuable, especially in higher grades.
• Bordeaux ('K'): Bordeaux-minted coins are sought after due to their lower mintage numbers.
• Marseille ('MA'): Coins from Marseille are relatively scarce and thus more valuable to collectors.
• Other mints include Lille ('W') and Nantes ('Q'), each contributing to the variety and collectibility of the series.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Coins from Paris with higher mintage years such as 1828 and 1829 are more commonly found and typically command lower premiums. These dates are often traded close to their gold content value but are still appreciated for their historical significance.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Some of the rarer mintage years, such as 1830, are especially sought after by collectors, particularly in higher grades. Coins from the smaller mints like Marseille and Bordeaux are also more desirable due to their scarcity.

Key dates and mint marks, such as the 1829 'L' from Lyon, can command significant premiums due to their rarity and demand among collectors.

Various Grades and Values

The value of 40 Francs Charles X coins varies based on their condition, rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of values for common-date coins:

• Good (G): €500-700
• Fine (F): €700-900
• Extremely Fine (XF): €1,000-1,500
• About Uncirculated (AU): €1,500-2,000
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): €2,000-3,000

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

The 40 Francs Charles X gold coin is a cherished piece of French history. Coins from smaller mints and key dates are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums. Common-date coins offer a more affordable entry point for enthusiasts and investors, providing both historical interest and bullion value. The coin's value increases significantly with higher grades and more desirable mint marks.