French Gold 20 Franc Rooster (Circ, Dates Vary)

Introduction

The French Gold 20 Franc Rooster Coin combines historic European coinage with approximately .1867 troy oz of gold. Struck in .900 fine gold and featuring the distinctive Marianne and Gallic Rooster design, these circulated coins offer a recognizable fractional gold format with a connection to France's Third Republic. Dates and individual conditions vary based on available inventory.

History

The French Gold 20 Franc Rooster was introduced in 1899 and issued with dates through 1914. Designed by Jules-Clément Chaplain, the coin was produced during the French Third Republic and followed the established specifications of France's historic 20 Franc gold denomination.

The series was struck at the Paris Mint and became known for its imagery representing the French Republic. Coins dated 1907 through 1914 were also officially restruck in later years using the original dates, making restrikes a common part of the surviving population. Because this listing includes varying dates, the specific year and mintage of the coin received are not guaranteed.

Design

The obverse features Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic, wearing a Phrygian cap and an oak-leaf wreath. The inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE surrounds the portrait.

The reverse depicts the Gallic Rooster, a longstanding symbol of France, standing beside the denomination and date. The surrounding inscription reads LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE. Edge inscriptions vary by date, with earlier and later issues carrying different French mottos.