France Gold 20 Francs – Louis XVIII (1814-1815)

In the turbulent spring of 1814, as Napoleon Bonaparte's grip on Europe finally loosened, a new chapter in French history began to unfold. After years of revolutionary chaos and imperial ambitions, the brother of the guillotined Louis XVI returned from exile to reclaim the throne of France. This period, known as the First Restoration, marked a pivotal moment in European history, and the gold coins minted during this brief window capture the essence of a nation in transition.

The France Gold 20 Francs Louis XVIII coins from 1814-1815 stand as exquisite artifacts from this fascinating period. Struck during Louis XVIII's initial reign before Napoleon's dramatic return during the Hundred Days, these coins represent more than just currency—they are tangible connections to one of history's most dramatic power struggles. The coins were part of Louis XVIII's efforts to establish legitimacy and stability after the fall of Napoleon's empire.

What makes these particular 20 Francs pieces remarkable is their brief production period. When Napoleon escaped from Elba in March 1815, Louis XVIII was forced to flee to Belgium, interrupting the minting of these coins. The king would return to the French throne only after Napoleon's decisive defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, making the 1814-1815 issues particularly significant historical markers.

The political intrigue surrounding these coins extends beyond France's borders. While Louis XVIII was in exile during the Hundred Days, the British actually produced French gold coins in London to finance the Duke of Wellington's campaign against Napoleon. These funds proved crucial in the allied victory at Waterloo that would ultimately restore Louis XVIII to power.

As Louis XVIII attempted to bridge the gap between monarchy and modern governance through a constitutional monarchy, these coins circulated as symbols of royal authority tempered by new political realities. The king himself took great interest in European affairs, using financial resources—including gold from the French treasury—to influence outcomes at the Congress of Vienna and in the Kingdom of Naples, where he successfully restored the Bourbon dynasty.

Design Features

The obverse of these distinguished gold coins features a right-facing portrait of Louis XVIII with the inscription "LOUIS XVIII ROI DE FRANCE" encircling it. The king is portrayed with a dignified expression, embodying royal authority while acknowledging the new political realities of post-revolutionary France. A small but significant horse head mark appears beneath the portrait, symbolizing both the king's authority and France's heritage.

The reverse showcases the French coat of arms crowned and elegantly surrounded by a laurel wreath, representing victory and honor. The denomination "20 F" appears alongside the year of issue, either 1814 or 1815. This classic design reflects the Bourbon restoration while maintaining continuity with France's numismatic traditions. The combination of royal imagery with the formal designation of France as a constitutional entity speaks to the complex political balance Louis XVIII sought to achieve during his reign.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• Obverse: Right-facing portrait of King Louis XVIII with the inscription "LOUIS XVIII ROI DE FRANCE" and a small horse head mark beneath.
• Reverse: French coat of arms crowned and surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the denomination "20 F" and year of issue (1814 or 1815).
• IRA Eligible: No

Investment Appeal

The France Gold 20 Francs Louis XVIII (1814-1815) coins offer collectors and investors a unique opportunity to own genuine artifacts from a pivotal moment in European history. With their brief minting period of just two years during the First Restoration, these coins possess inherent rarity that enhances their numismatic value beyond their gold content. Their historical significance as currency minted between Napoleon's first abdication and his final defeat adds substantial collector appeal.

These gold coins contain approximately 0.1867 troy ounces of gold at 90% purity, providing tangible precious metal value in addition to their historical and collector significance. Their compact size and recognized design make them highly liquid assets in the numismatic market. For serious collectors of European or French coinage, these pieces represent essential additions that bridge the revolutionary period and the restoration of the monarchy.

Beyond their numismatic appeal, these coins tell the story of a Europe in transformation—from revolutionary ideals through imperial ambitions to the attempted restoration of traditional authority. As tangible links to this fascinating period, they continue to captivate collectors and historians alike, making them both culturally significant treasures and sound diversification assets for the discerning investor.