Inexpensive, beautiful, and with a fascinating legend behind them, French 20 Franc 'Lucky Angels' are perhaps our favorite European
Gold Coins.
Minted from 1871 to 1898, Angels are also one of the best values in classic coins. In uncirculated condition they are five to ten times scarcer than French 20 Franc Roosters and Swiss 20 Franc Helvetias, yet they sell today for close to the same price, making them a true bargain. They offer all the benefits of
Gold Bullion plus extra benefits like limited supply, collector demand, complete financial privacy, and extra premium potential due to scarcity.
Highlights
- This item will be pulled from random dates.
- Contains .1867 troy oz of .9 fine gold content.
- Exceptional scarcity, yet at an outstanding value.
- Design by Augustin Dupré, minted from 1871-1898.
- Obverse: Displays the Guardian Angel, known as Genuis, writing the Constitution, and a small rooster facing left. Inscriptions include: "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" and Dupré's signature at the bottom.
- Reverse: Denomination above the date within a wreath encircled by "LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERINTÉ," France's motto meaning "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".
- Edge: Inscribed along the outside edge of the coin is the message, "DIEU . PROTEGE . LA . FRANCE," along with stars dotting the rim.
History
Legend of the Lucky Angel
The magnificent 'Guardian Angel' design on the obverse was originally created during the French Revolution by Augustine Dupré, and was considered a lucky charm from the start. Dupré claimed to have been saved from the guillotine by the lucky Angel coin in his pocket. French pilots in World War I rarely took flight without one in their kit; and German fighter pilots received an Angel for every fifth Allied plane shot down during World War II.
