France 1909 20 francs
This specimen was lot 1474 in Jean Elsen sale 146 (Brussels, November 2020), where it sold for €260 (about US$379 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Troisième République (1871-1940), AV 20 francs, 1909. Très Beau. (France, Third Republic, 1871-1940, gold twenty francs of 1909. Very Fine.)"
The type was struck in Paris 1906-1914; earlier issues had the edge lettered DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE. The mintage given below does not reflect the restrikes made in the 1920's and 1950's which have rendered this handsome coin very common. American coin dealers refer to these coins as "roosters." All gold 20 francs were officially recalled in 1928 but effectively ceased to circulate in France during World War I.
Recorded Mintage: 9,636,955[2].
Specification: 6.45 g, 0.900 fine gold, .186 troy oz AGW, 22 mm diameter, edge lettered LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE, designed by Jules-Clément Chaplain (1839-1909).
Catalog reference: Fr-596a, KM 857, F.535/3, Gad-1064a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, 1789-2019, 24me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2019.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [2]Prieur, Michel, and Laurent Schmitt, Le Franc 10: Les Monnaies, Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 146: Collection Anthony Lorrain Monnaies de Metz, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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