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Information on the French Napoleon Gold Coin Series |
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The French Napoleon Gold Coin, often simply called the "Napoleon," is one of France's most iconic and historically significant gold coins. Named after Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, it was originally introduced in the early 19th century and has become a staple of European numismatic collections due to its rich history and investment appeal. |
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Coin Name: French Napoleon Gold Coin, commonly referred to as "Napoleon." |
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Minted By: Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) |
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Years Released: The Napoleon was first issued in 1803 and continued in various forms until 1914. It was reintroduced briefly for collectors in later years. |
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Legal Tender Value: The coins were issued in several denominations, with the most common being the 20 Francs coin. |
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Sizes Available:
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Mintage: The Napoleon series saw widespread circulation and production, with millions of coins minted throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The exact mintage numbers vary by year and denomination. |
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Coin Dimensions and Specification: The 20 Franc Napoleon coin, for instance, weighs 6.45 grams and is made from 90% gold, with a diameter of 21 mm. Each size variation maintains a gold purity of 90% and adjusts its weight and diameter accordingly. |
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Coin Design: Obverse: The design typically features a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte or one of his successors depending on the era of minting. Over the years, the portrait style and inscription have varied slightly to reflect changes in regime and design trends. Reverse: The reverse generally features the denomination within a wreath, along with various symbols of the French Republic or Empire, such as eagles and crowns, depending on the political climate of the time. |
