Gold Coins Guide: The French 20 France Rooster - By: Rod Hoss

The French 20 Franc Rooster was minted between 1899 and 1914. It is considered to be one of the most popular among the European gold coins. They are favoured by the gold bullion investors because of their ability to be traded at small premiums over their gold value. They also offer great potential for profit and security. They may be very common but the truth is that these coins are very scarce which makes them very valuable.

Each French 20 Franc Rooster contains about 1/5 of an ounce or (0.1867) of gold. This coin is available in both AU or Almost Uncirculated condition and BU or Brilliant Uncirculated condition. This traditional gold coin of France features the image of the Gallic Rooster or the Coq Gaulois as it is called in French. The image of this rooster on the design of the coin is the reason why it is also called as the French rooster. The Gallic rooster was included in the design of this coin because this animal is considered to be a national symbol of France since the beginning of the Middle Ages. The image of the Gallic rooster was used in the French revolution to convey the spirit of revolutionary vigilance, pugnacity and confidence in the time of war. The rooster even took the place of the fleur-de-lis as the national emblem of France in 1830. The rooster was once again replaced by the fleur-de-lis in the middle of the 1800s when Napoleon III was once again seated in power. It is still considered to be a symbol of independence and liberty up to this day in France.

The obverse side of the French 20 Franc displays the image of the leader of the 3rd French Republic which is also surrounded by the phrase "Republique Francaise". The 3rd republic of France was created after Napoleon III was defeated in the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. This republic reigned over France until the start of the World War II.

The reverse side of the French 20 Franc shows the famous Gallic rooster with is plume in full display. Also on this side is the date, denomination and the phrase "Liberte Egalite Fraternite". If translated to English, this phrase means "Freedom, Equality, Fraternity." This phrase became popular after it was uttered by Louis XVI in the French Revolution.

The French 20 Franc gold coins were minted from 1898 to 1914. The coins that dated from 1907 to 1914 were struck again in 1921 and once again from 1951 to 1960 at the Paris Mint. The French 20 Franc gold coins from the first year of the original minting are considered to be very rare and valuable.

Copyright (c) 2011 Rod Hoss

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