The French Franc Gold Bullion coin has a very long history. The French Franc Gold Bullion first appeared in the year 1360, and was used to pay the Ransom of King John II of France. The French Franc Gold Bullion coin showed King John II of France on a decorated horse, which was named the French equivalent of “Free on Horse” The obverse of this first French Franc Gold Bullion coin has the king’s title, Francorum Rex, which means King of the Franks in Latin. King John II was not able to strike enough of the French Franc Gold Bullion coin, and he returned voluntarily to English captivity.
The more modern French Franc Gold Bullion coin is known as the Rooster, and has a monetary value of 20 French Francs. These French Franc Gold Bullion coins were minted between 1899 and 1914. This French Franc Gold Bullion coin features a Gallic Rooster on the reverse of the French Franc Gold Bullion coin, along with the words Liberty, Egalite, and Fraternite, which means freedom, equality, and fraternity in French. The obverse of the French Franc Gold Bullion coin features a depiction of Liberty.
The 20 French Franc Gold Bullion coin contains .1867 of an ounce of pure gold.
The French Franc Gold Bullion coin is one of the most common European gold bullion coins. The French Franc Gold Bullion coin is made with 90% pure gold. Older French Franc Gold Bullion coins from the nineteenth century were known as Napoleons. These Napoleon French Franc Gold Bullion coins were minted starting in 1803. The obverse of these French Franc Gold Bullion coins had a likeness of Napoleon Bonaparte, along with the words Bonaparte Premier Consul. The reverse of the French Franc Gold Bullion coin simply stated 20 Francs Republique Francaise. The reverse of the French Franc Gold Bullion coin also contained a wreath and the year.
In 1814 when Louis XVIII ascended to the throne of France, France changed its flag. Despite this, the coinage, including the 20 French Franc Gold Bullion coin only changed the portrait from Napoleon to Louis XVIII, and otherwise remained the same.