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Tavex is pleased to present a European classic, the eminent French 20 Franc Angel gold coin, also referred to as the “20 Franc Lucky Angel” or the “20 Franc Genius”. With a rich history of more than 600 years, the 20 franc gold coin recalls France’s former eminence as one of the great powers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Standardised and authorised by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, the 20 franc is France’s most treasured and sought-after gold coin. Displaying perfect uniformity and accuracy for over a century, French 20 francs facilitated world trade and became the basis for Europe’s first monetary union. With more than 500 million pieces minted since the 1800s, they are today one of the most liquid and widely recognised historical gold coins available on the European bullion market. Beautifully designed and representing a charming and glamorous aspect of French culture, the 20 franc angel gold coin comes in an affordable weight, making it appropriate as a collector’s item, a gift, or a tangible gold investment.
An angel depicted on the French 20 franc gold coin
The design of the reverse side of this coin was created in 1791 by renowned French engraver Augustin Dupré. The motif of the portrayed “angel” is sometimes also referred to as “lucky angel”, “genius of freedom”, or “the guardian angel Genius of France”. The reason for the multiple names is because of the coin’s rich folklore and the uncertain interpretation of Dupré’s artwork. When the ruling aristocratic dynasty was deposed during the French revolution in 1789, new coinage was needed to proclaim the new order. This gave artists and engravers much more creative freedom, since the former coinage most often depicted the effigy of the ruler. Dupré, whose work was inspired by the symbolism of antiquity, won the design competition for the new currency.
It is believed that the “angel” Dupré designed is a “genius”, an ancient symbol of divinity which derives from Roman religion, in which it was believed that every human being, or a collective thing (humans, nature, animals), possessed a divine essence, or a soul. The depicted “genius” on the reverse of the new 20 franc gold coin could have been Dupré’s way of symbolising the “soul, or spirit of the French Revolution”.
However, reference to the depicted “genius” as “angel” came to life when a story about how Augustin Dupré himself escaped execution in the Reign of Terror, a period of violence that followed the French Revolution, because the “angel coins” he carried in his pocket protected him against harm. The designer was sentenced to lose his head on the guillotine during the French Revolution. According to legend, however, Dupré was able to bribe his guard with the Angel coin he carried in his pocket and made his escape. The story kept on being told over the years, building the legend of the coin’s “good luck” aura. The legend of the coin’s attributed powers became so pronounced that it changed the world history. It is said that Napoleon Bonaparte always carried an early French Angel in his pocket until losing it the night before the fateful Battle at Waterloo. This battle marked the beginning of his downfall.
Although none of these assertions is certain, what is definitely true is that the 20 franc Angel’s beautiful and mystical design has contributed to making it one of the most recognised and sought-after gold coins of the Napoleon series. The French 20 franc Angel gold coin was issued during three different periods: 1848-1849, 1871-1898, and 1899-1906.
The obverse portrays the motif of a standing angel on pedestal. The angel is inscribing the French constitution upon a tablet which is posed on a column. Surrounding the angel is the text “REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE”. To the left of the angel is the hand of Justice, or fasces lictoriae, and to the right is a rooster. Under the angel is the signature of the master engraver “DUPRÉ”
The reverse contains in the centre the denomination of 20 FRANCS and the year of mintage, encircled by a wreath of oak leaves, and the text “LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE”, which translates as “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”. Under the wreath is the mint mark.
Each coin is individually packaged in a hard plastic capsule if desired.
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The shipping charge is 18 euros per 5000 euros insured package, applicable to deliveries within Finland. If you wish to have your products delivered to another country, please contact us on +358 9 68 149 149 or by email at tavex@tavex.fi for prices and terms.
Tavex has the majority of products always in stock and therefore can offer you quick delivery and same day pickup with market leading prices. Tavex is an official partner for all the biggest mints in the world, such as The Perth Mint Australia, Austrian Mint (Münze Österreich), China Great Wall Coins Investments Ltd., gold bar market leader PAMP Suisse and Valcambi and other gold factories and dealers.
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