The French Gold Angel 20 Franc Coin, also known as the “Lucky Angel”, is a beautiful, legal tender coin minted by the Monnaie de Paris. This beautiful and popular coin is 90% gold, with a small amount of copper added for strength and durability since the coin was originally designed for circulation. The Gold Angel features a 20 Franc face value and 0.1867 troy ounces of actual gold weight. These coins were minted from 1848 to 1898. The date on the French Gold Angel 20 Franc coins you buy from BGASC will be chosen at random from our available inventory.

The “Lucky Angel” coin is a favorite among both collectors and investors for its gold content, beauty, history, and relatively short mintage period. The coin’s small size and angelic design make them great gifts.

Coin Highlights

• Each coin contains 0.1867 troy ounces of fine gold
• Obverse: Standing angel writing the Constitution, fasces on left, rooster on right
• Reverse: Denomination, date, and slogan “Libert galit Fraternit” (translated: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”)
• Edge lettering
• From extra fine to almost uncirculated condition
• Protected in a FREE coin flip

The Angel represented on the obverse (front) is the guardian angel Genius as she inscribes the French Constitution upon a tablet next to a pillar and a rooster. The words “REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE” are above the angel. The reverse (back) displays the denomination (20 FRANC) and date encircled by a wreath. The words ‘LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE’ appear between the wreath and the rim.

The design of this coin appeared on 20 Franc gold coins during three different periods in time. The coins that BGASC offers were all minted between 1848 and 1898 (although 20 Franc Angels were not produced during some of those years in between). The Angel design was also used for the 20 Franc gold coin in 1848 and 49, then again from 1899 to 1906, where the edge of the coins featured the inscription, ‘DIEU PROT’G’ LA FRANCE’. All French 20 Franc Angel gold coins were minted in Paris.

Why was this coin nicknamed the “Lucky Angel”?
The legend of “Lucky French Angels” began during the Reign of Terror. Augustine Dupre, the coin’s designer, was sentenced to be executed by guillotine during the French Revolution. There are a few different accounts of what happened next, but some say he used the gold coin to bribe a guard to let him escape, while others say he rubbed the coin while saying a prayer and lightning suddenly struck close by, causing enough commotion to halt his execution. One of our favorite versions describes how he was saved from the guillotine when the coin reflected a beam of sunlight in his jail cell so brilliantly that the guard on duty broke into tears at the sight, unlocked the cell door, and let Dupre make his escape. What we do know for sure is that these Gold Angel coins earned a reputation as being lucky and became known as Lucky Angels.

Each Gold “Lucky Angel” coin is packaged and shipped inside of a protective coin flip. You may also choose to add an A21 Air-Tite Coin Capsule (21.2mm) to your order to further protect your investment. If you have any questions about the 20 Franc Gold Angel coin or the purchasing process, call or email us and one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will be happy to assist you.