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

In the tumultuous aftermath of the French Revolution, a coin emerged that would become not just a symbol of a new era, but a talisman of luck and protection. The France Gold 20 Francs, affectionately known as the “Lucky Angel,” carries with it a legacy steeped in myth and history. Its story begins with Augustin Dupré, a master engraver whose life was spared from the guillotine’s blade, allegedly due to the divine intervention symbolized by an angel coin in his pocket.

This miraculous escape from death inspired Dupré to create a design that would capture the spirit of hope and rebirth that France so desperately needed. The angel, or “génie” as it was called, became a powerful emblem of the new French Republic, standing as a guardian of the nation’s hard-won liberties. The coin’s design, featuring a winged figure inscribing the constitution, was more than mere decoration—it was a declaration of France’s values and aspirations.

As the 19th century progressed, the Lucky Angel coin gained a reputation that extended far beyond its monetary value. Napoleon Bonaparte, ever the superstitious leader, was said to carry one as a good luck charm during his military campaigns. The loss of his coin on the eve of Waterloo became part of the lore surrounding his ultimate defeat, further cementing the Angel’s mystical status in French culture.

The coin’s minting period, from 1871 to 1898, coincided with a time of great change and progress in France. The Third Republic was establishing itself, the Industrial Revolution was in full swing, and French art and culture were flourishing in what would become known as the Belle Époque. The Lucky Angel, with its classical design and revolutionary spirit, bridged the gap between France’s tumultuous past and its optimistic future.

For numismatists, the France Gold 20 Francs – Lucky Angel represents a tangible connection to this pivotal period in European history. Each coin tells a story of resilience, of a nation reinventing itself in the wake of upheaval. The limited minting period and the coin’s storied past make it a prized addition to collections focused on French history or revolutionary-era currency.

Beyond its historical significance, the Lucky Angel became a symbol of protection for many. During both World Wars, it was common for soldiers and sailors to carry these coins as talismans, believing in their power to safeguard against harm. This tradition has contributed to the coin’s enduring popularity and mystique, making it not just a collector’s item, but a piece of living folklore.

Design Features

The obverse of the France Gold 20 Francs – Lucky Angel showcases Dupré’s artistic prowess and revolutionary fervor. The central figure, the winged genius of Liberty, stands in a contrapposto pose, her form reminiscent of classical statuary. With quill in hand, she is depicted in the act of inscribing the constitution, symbolizing the birth of new freedoms. To her right, a proud Gallic rooster—an enduring symbol of France—stands vigilant, while to her left, the fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of authority and unity, grounds the composition in republican ideals. The inscription “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE” arches above, proclaiming the new order.

The reverse design is no less significant in its symbolism. A wreath of oak and laurel leaves, traditional emblems of strength and victory, encircles the denomination and year of minting. This classical motif is bordered by the revolutionary motto “LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), the core principles upon which the new France was built. The integration of these elements creates a harmonious balance between the coin’s function as currency and its role as a bearer of national identity.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Winged genius of Liberty inscribing the constitution, with a rooster and fasces.
• Reverse: Wreath encircling denomination and year, surrounded by “LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ”.

Investment Appeal

The France Gold 20 Francs – Lucky Angel coin holds a unique position in the world of numismatic investment. Its allure lies not just in its gold content, but in its historical significance and cultural cachet. For investors, these coins offer a way to diversify portfolios with an asset that combines precious metal value with collector appeal. The limited minting period of 1871-1898 ensures a finite supply, potentially enhancing long-term value.

Collectors prize these coins for their connection to a transformative period in French and European history. The Lucky Angel’s reputation as a talisman adds an intangible value that often translates into stronger demand and premium pricing in the collector’s market. Furthermore, the coin’s classical design and fine craftsmanship make it an object of artistic appreciation, appealing to those who seek beauty as well as value in their investments.

As interest in historical coinage continues to grow, pieces like the Lucky Angel, with their rich backstories and cultural significance, are increasingly sought after. This demand, coupled with the coin’s inherent gold value, positions the France Gold 20 Francs – Lucky Angel as a compelling option for both the serious numismatist and the discerning investor looking to add a touch of historical magic to their collection.