French 20 Franc Gold “Angels”
Dated 1871-1898
Brilliant Uncirculated

Of all the classic European gold coins we handle, the French 20 Franc “Angel” is our favorite. Beautiful, historic, and with a fascinating legend behind them, these lovely coins are a superlative choice for coin collectors and gold bullion investors alike. Minted from 1871 to 1898, “Angels” are also one of the only Pre-1900 dated brilliant uncirculated European gold coins trading at anywhere near their gold value! Long considered to bring good luck, Angels are actually 5 to 10 times more scarce than later date French 20 Franc “Roosters” and Swiss 20 Franc “Helvetias,” yet they are selling today for almost the same price!

We've been able to acquire a small cache of a few hundred Angels from Europe. The price was great and we wanted to pass the value along to our customers while gold prices and premiums remain low. They are available now on a first come, first served basis – but once they’re gone, they’re gone!

The magnificent 1793 “Guardian Angel” design was originally created during the French Revolution by Augustine Dupré. In 1871, the design was resurrected by the Third Republic for the French gold 20-franc coin. On the obverse, a winged angel inscribes the inspired French Constitution, set on a pedestal above Dupré’s signature. To its left is a fasces, the ancient Roman symbol of authority later used on the U.S. Mercury dime. To its right a proud rooster symbolizes the fighting spirit of the Republic. The reverse displays a laurel wreath of peace and achievement.

Almost from the beginning, gold Angels were regarded as lucky. Their legend began during the Reign of Terror in the mid-1790s, when the coin’s designer, Augustus Dupré, claimed to have been saved from the guillotine by the lucky Angel coin in his pocket. According to legend, Dupré said a quick prayer as he knelt beneath the deadly blade. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck nearby, igniting a panic that halted his execution. Within six months Dupré was a free man, believing forever after that he was saved from certain death by the protective powers of his guardian gold Angel.

By the mid-19th century, the Angel’s reputation for good luck was firmly entrenched. Captains seldom went to sea without one. French pilots inWorld War I rarely took flight without a gold Angel coin in their kit, believing it would protect them from the Red Baron and his aces. During World War II, the chief of Hitler’s Luftwaffe, Hermann Goering, became obsessed with these French angel coins. Confiscating all he could find, he presented them to ace German fighter pilots as rewards for every fifth Allied plane shot down.

Recently, a few small caches of sequestered Angels have come to light in Europe, perhaps left over from the war. Sometimes completely unavailable, these gold coins are a true gift from the past. Today these historic coins retain their desirability and fascination, especially in brilliant uncirculated condition. Whether you’re a coin collector, gold investor, or just a history buff, these coins are an excellent value at today’s unusually low prices. Get ‘em while they last!