Overview
A gold 20 Francs coin featuring the laureate profile of Napoleon Bonaparte, expertly mounted in a four-prong jewelry setting.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Napoleon I Gold 20 Francs 'Laureate Head' Coin, c. 1807-1814
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In 1807, at the height of his military triumphs, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered his likeness on French coinage to be updated with a laurel wreath, signaling his transformation into a modern-day Caesar.
Maker / Origin
Jean-Pierre Droz was a Swiss-born master engraver who revolutionized minting technology with his invention of the 'virole brisée' (split collar), which allowed for perfectly round coins with…
Condition & Value
The coin shows moderate surface wear and 'bag marks' consistent with a piece that circulated before being mounted. Value is driven by the current spot price of gold (approx. 5.8 grams of pure gold content) plus a historical premium for the Napoleonic era.
Research
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