Napoléon 20 francs
France · gold · 1803-1914
Overview
The Napoléon is the French 20 franc gold coin, struck from 1803 to 1914 under every regime, from Bonaparte as First Consul to the Third Republic: effigies of Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis-Philippe, Napoleon III bareheaded then laureate, the Genius of Liberty, Ceres, and finally the Rooster and Marianne. All share the same standard: 6.4516 g of 900 ‰ gold, that is 5.806 g of fine gold, with a diameter of 21 mm and a thickness of 1.3 mm. This standard became that of the Latin Monetary Union, adopted by Belgium, Switzerland and Italy, which is why these coins are interchangeable at the counter. Restrikes from 1951 to 1960, to the same standard, carry earlier dates. The Napoléon is recognised by its weight, its lettered edge and its warm hue; it is very widely imitated. At Gold & Silver Company in Dottignies, every Napoléon is weighed and appraised in front of the person; the assay in the agency is what counts.
Model of the Latin Monetary Union; 1951-1960 restrikes to the same standard.
Characteristics
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Metal | gold |
| Gross weight | 6.4516 g |
| Fineness | 900 ‰ |
| Fine metal | 5.806 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Thickness | 1.3 mm |
| Years of issue | 1803-1914 |
How to check it
Indicative check: weigh the coin to the centigram and measure its diameter with callipers; a deviation of more than 0.1 g or 0.2 mm from the reference values warrants an examination in the agency. The assay in the agency is what counts.
At Gold & Silver Company
Every coin is weighed and appraised in front of the person, at the agency in Dottignies (Mouscron); the price is set at the rate of the moment of the transaction and is never published in advance.
Welcome policy: for gold, Gold & Silver Company receives by appointment from one kilogram; below that, no appointment is needed during opening hours; for silver, no appointment is needed whatever the quantity.
Related terms
Further reading
Sources
Characteristics checked against the reference numismatic catalogues and the issuers' official specifications (September 2026). The appraisal in the agency is what counts.