1871-1898 France Gold 20 Francs Lucky Angel (AU)

• Contains .1867 oz of Gold.
• Design by Augustin Dupré and minted from 1871-1898.
• These coins will be in Almost Uncirculated condition.
• Comes in protective packaging.
• Obverse: Standing Genius writing the Constitution, rooster at right, fasces at left.
• Reverse: Denomination above the date within a wreath encircled by "Liberté Égalité Fraternité," France's motto meaning "Liberty, equality, fraternity".
• KM#825.

Origins of the French Angel Coin

History and legend coincide in these enduring 20 Franc Gold angel coins. For more than two centuries, the Paris Mint’s guardian angel coins have inspired countless tales of faith, luck and good fortune.

Following the French Revolution in 1791, master engraver Augustin Dupré was called on to create new currency for the Paris Mint. On the coin’s reverse, he featured the génie ailé, or winged genius. Standing contrapposto, his outstretched arm inscribes France’s constitution. Over time, collectors began to refer to Gold coins bearing Dupré’s design as guardian angel coins.

Luck of the Angel Coin

Folklore surrounding the lucky Gold angel coin began with Dupré himself. Varying legends claim that an angel coin saved Dupré from death by guillotine. In one account, as he bowed his head beneath the blade, he rubbed a Gold angel coin in his hand and prayed desperately for his life to be spared. A nearby bolt of lightning threw the executioner and crowd of onlookers into a panic before the blade could be dropped. Dupré’s execution was stayed and months later he was freed. Alternate versions of the story claim that Dupré kept his head simply by allowing the executioner to keep the Gold.

Dupré’s winged genius design was used on several denominations of French angel coins throughout the 19th century. Legends continued to follow the coins. It was said that Napoléon Bonaparte carried a Gold angel coin with him every day but lost it shortly before his defeat at Waterloo. Ship captains, fighter pilots and soldiers involved in conflicts across the globe and during both World Wars were known to carry guardian angel coins along with their gear for special protection.

Purchase Angel Coins Through APMEX

As a popular collector's item and investment piece, angel coins have captured the imagination of generations. Whether you’re interested in their properties as a talisman or in their rich history, you will find that APMEX offers the simplest and most secure method for purchasing angel coins.