The 20 Francs Gold Coin has been issued by French mints for more than two centuries now, but the use of the colloquial term “Napoleons” typically applies only to those gold coins struck during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. Today, 20 Francs Gold Coins are available to you online from JM Bullion with the image of Napoleon III featured on the obverse.

Coin Highlights:

• Available to you inside of protective plastic!
• Issued between 1853 and 1870!
• Contains .1867 Troy oz of actual gold weight.
• The face value of 20 Francs was issued by the French government.
• On the obverse are busts of Napoleon III created by Jean Jacques Barre.
• Two possible designs exist for the reverse depicting either the face value surrounding a wreath or the French coat of arms.

20 Francs Gold Coins featuring the Napoleon III design were first issued in 1852. Born as Charles-Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon III was originally the first French leader elected by a popular vote during the days of the French Republic in 1848. He was the first leader to hold the title of president and the youngest ever elected in France until Emmanuel Macron’s victory in 2017.

Facing the end of his term in late 1851, he organized his own coup d’etat to bring about the end of the French Republic. From 1852 until the end of his time in power in 1870, he ruled as Emperor Napoleon III of the French Empire.

On the obverse of these 20 Francs Gold Coins, you’ll find a right-profile bust of Napoleon designed by Jean Jacques Barre. The portrait on this side of the coins will depict Napoleon III with either a bare head or a wreath crown. The designs were used at varying points during the 1852 to 1870 reign of Napoleon III as Emperor of France.

The reverse side of the 20 Francs Gold Coins includes one of two possible images as well. Many of the coins will feature a wreath with the face value of “20 Francs” and a year of issue in the center, or a design of the French coat of arms used during the days of the French Empire.

All 20 Francs Gold Coins available through this JM Bullion listing are in circulated condition. This indicates that the coins do feature some of the typical signs of wear and tear from circulation or use, but they tend to lack major flaws or damage.

Please feel free to reach out to JM Bullion if you have any questions about these gold coins. You can reach us on the phone at 800-276-6508, online through our live web chat, or via our email address. Interested in the movement of prices? Check out our gold price history charts!