The Latin Monetary Union (LMU) was one of the most ambitious international currency standards of the 19th century, bringing together multiple European nations under a single gold and silver standard. Among its most enduring legacies are the 20 Francs gold coins, a denomination that became a common currency across borders and remains a favorite among numismatists and investors.
Beyond Europe, the LMU influenced U.S. coinage, inspiring the experimental Stella gold coin, an American pattern coin based on the 20 Francs standard. Today, these coins are highly collectible, with specific rare dates commanding high premiums at auction, while bullion-strike 20 Francs remain a cost-effective way to invest in gold.
Overview of Latin Monetary Union Gold Coins
The Latin Monetary Union was established in 1865 by France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland, with Greece joining later in 1868. Other nations, such as Spain, Romania, Serbia, and Austria-Hungary, informally adhered to the LMU standard. The agreement aimed to unify Europe’s monetary system by standardizing gold and silver coin weights, particularly the 20 Francs gold coin, which became the benchmark for gold coinage.
Each country issued its own 20 Francs coins featuring national designs but maintaining consistent specifications:
- Weight: 6.45 grams
- Purity: 90% gold (21.6 karats)
- Diameter: 21 mm
Notable examples of LMU 20 Francs coins include:
- France: The Napoleon III, Genius (Angel), and Rooster designs.
- Belgium: Coins featuring King Leopold I and II.
- Switzerland: The Helvetia Vreneli design.
- Italy: Various kings, including Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I.
These coins circulated widely in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making them some of the world’s most recognized pre-1933 gold coins.
The Stella Gold Coin – The U.S. Attempt at LMU Standardization
The influence of the Latin Monetary Union extended beyond Europe. In the late 1870s, the United States explored joining the LMU, leading to the creation of the Stella, a pattern gold coin struck in 1879 and 1880.
The Stella was intended to have a value of $4, aligning it with the 20 Francs standard to facilitate international trade. It was minted in two varieties:
- Flowing Hair Stella
- Coiled Hair Stella
Although the U.S. never formally adopted the LMU standard, the Stella gold coin remains one of the most famous American numismatic rarities, with examples fetching millions at auction.
3 Valuable 20 Francs Gold Coins Sold at Auction
While most 20 Francs gold coins trade close to their gold melt value, some rare issues command astronomical prices. Here are the top five most valuable 20 Francs coins to sell at auction, along with what makes them so desirable:
1861 Italian 20 Lire (Kingdom of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II)
- Auction Price: $1,200+
- Why It’s Valuable: Issued during Italy’s early unification, this low-mintage 1861 issue marks the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy. Scarcity, combined with historical importance, makes this a centerpiece of Italian numismatics.
1895 French 20 Francs Angel (Genie) MS65
- Auction Price: $850
- Why It’s Valuable: The Angel design was popular in France, but mint state coins survived only in minimal numbers. A flawless-proof specimen with mirror-like surfaces commands a significant premium.
1879 Greek 20 Drachmae (George I)
- Auction Price: $2,000
- Why It’s Valuable: Greece joined the Latin Monetary Union in 1868, and its 20 Drachmae coins adhered to the same gold standard as the 20 Francs. This low-mintage issue from 1879 is exceptionally rare in top condition.
20 Francs Gold Bullion Coins – A Smart Choice for Investors
While some 20 Francs coins are rare numismatic treasures, most are affordable gold bullion coins, making them a popular choice among investors. They offer several advantages:
- Lower Premiums: Compared to modern 1 oz gold coins, 20 Francs coins typically have lower premiums per ounce of gold.
- Recognized Worldwide: Due to their historic significance and LMU standardization, 20 Francs coins are easily identified and liquidated.
- Fractional Flexibility: Weighing 6.45 grams each, these coins are ideal for small-scale gold stacking and are easier to sell than larger gold bars.
- Pre-1933 Appeal: As pre-1933 gold, they are exempt from specific U.S. government regulations that apply to modern bullion.
The most commonly available bullion-grade 20 Francs coins include:
- French 20 Francs Rooster (1899-1914)
- Swiss 20 Francs Helvetia (1897-1949)
- Belgian 20 Francs Leopold II
- Italian 20 Lire (Umberto I, Victor Emmanuel II)
Each of these coins trades close to its gold content value, making them an excellent store of wealth for long-term investors.
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of 20 Francs Gold Coins
The Latin Monetary Union 20 Francs gold coin is a numismatic and investment powerhouse, bridging the gap between history, collectibility, and gold bullion investing. Whether you’re hunting for a rare date for your collection or stacking these coins for wealth preservation, their legacy endures as one of the world’s most trusted and widely traded gold coins.
For collectors, these coins’ rare dates and proof issues command serious value at auction. For investors, the high liquidity and historical appeal make them a solid hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. With such a rich heritage, the 20 Francs gold coin remains one of the most versatile and fascinating coins in precious metals investing today.