A French 20 Francs Gold contains 0.1867 troy oz of pure gold, worth $746.15 at today's spot price.
France struck 20-franc gold coins, often called Napoleons, from 1803 until 1914. The same standard was used across the Latin Monetary Union.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Gold $3,996.90 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 7:10 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1803–1914 |
|---|---|
| Face value | 20 FRF |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Gross weight | 6.452 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.1867 troy oz (5.806 g) |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure gold in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
6.452 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.1867 troy oz
0.1867 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $746.15
How to identify it
- Common designs include Napoleon III, the Genius ('Angel') writing on a tablet, and Marianne with a rooster on the reverse.
Melt value vs. collector value
Melt value is a floor, not a price. Better dates, coins with mint luster and graded coins often sell well above melt; key dates and rare varieties can be worth many times more. Check the date and mint mark before selling a coin for its metal.
Related tools
Sources
- BDOR: 20 francs Coq Marianne — checked 2026-10-22
- Wikipedia: Latin Monetary Union — checked 2026-10-22