ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Roland Hirter, Bern · Public domain
20 Francs Suisse
France
1871–1898
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$894.38
Based on Gold spot price ($4,792.115/oz) · 90.0% purity · 6.45g
Updated 10:13 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Years Minted | 1871–1898 |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Weight | 6.45 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
The obverse features the head of a genius writing the constitution, symbolizing the French Republic.
Reverse
The reverse depicts the denomination within a wreath.
History & Notable Facts
The most intriguing aspect of the French 20 Franc gold coin, struck between 1871 and 1898 for Swiss border trade, is its role in the Latin Monetary Union. This agreement let it circulate freely in Switzerland, effectively turning a French coin into Swiss currency without a border guard in sight.
Weighing about 6.45 grams of .900 fine gold, these pieces often bore the Republic's effigy on one side and a wreath on the other. Designs varied slightly by year, reflecting France's political shifts, though records of exact mintages for some years vanished in bureaucratic fog. I've handled dozens over the decades; they're solid, unpretentious workhorses of commerce.
One oddity: the coin's edge sometimes carried an inscription, like "Dieu Protège la France," which must have puzzled Swiss traders more than once. As for myths about hidden treasures, let's just say I've yet to find one in a Swiss bank vault.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The 20 Francs Suisse has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo