Gold Coin, French 20 Franc Angel .1867 oz of pure gold French Angel Gold Coin minted from 1871-1898 Start Price USD 235.00 Current Price USD 235.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, October 24, 2008 End Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 Location Heart of Dixie See more about 'Gold Coin, French 20 Franc Angel .1867 oz of pure gold' Description This is a gold coin containing 0.1867 pure ounces of gold.  These gold coin were minted in France and called the Angel gold coin because of the angel on one side.  I have 100 of these for sale and most were minted in the 1890's.  The condition of these coins are all the same as the ones I have shown in my pictures. The diameter is 21mm. Shipping in the USA is by Priority Mail Fully Insured at $8.00 for the first coin and $3.00 for each addtional coin.  International buyers please email for shipping cost.  I will accept a US Postal Money Order, cashiers check on a bank within the USA, or a personal check with the understanding that I will not ship until the check has cleared my bank which usually takes 10 days.  International bidder can send a cashiers check/offical bank check on a International bank with a US Associate Bank.  I will also accept a W.U. Money Order. The magnificent 1793 "Guardian Angel" design was originally created during the French Revolution by Augustine Dupré. In 1871, the design was resurrected by the Third Republic for the French gold 20-franc coin. On the obverse, a winged angel inscribes the inspired French Constitution, set on a pedestal above Dupré’s signature. To its left is a fasces, the ancient Roman symbol of authority later used on the U.S. Mercury dime. To its right a proud rooster symbolizes the fighting spirit of the Republic. The reverse displays a laurel wreath of peace and achievement. Extraordinary Scarcity. These pre-1900 French 20 franc "Angels" are more than 5 to 10 times scarcer than the very popular French 20 Franc "Roosters" and Swiss 20 franc "Helvetias." Specifications:French 20 Franc "Angel"Minted: 1871-98Fine Gold content: 0.1867 troy oz.Size: 21 Milimeters DiameterFineness: .900 Fine A Beautiful, Historic Design The magnificent 1793 "Guardian Angel" design was originally created during the French Revolution by Augustine Dupré. In 1871, the design was resurrected by the Third Republic for the French gold 20-franc coin. On the obverse, a winged angel inscribes the inspired French Constitution, set on a pedestal above Dupré’s signature. To its left is a fasces, the ancient Roman symbol of authority later used on the U.S. Mercury dime. To its right a proud rooster symbolizes the fighting spirit of the Republic. The reverse displays a laurel wreath of peace and achievement. The Legend of the "Lucky Angel" Almost from the beginning, gold Angels were regarded as lucky. Their legend began during the Reign of Terror in the mid-1790s, when the coin’s designer, Augustus Dupré, claimed to have been saved from the guillotine by the lucky Angel coin in his pocket. According to legend, Dupré said a quick prayer as he knelt beneath the deadly blade. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck nearby, igniting a panic that halted his execution. Within six months Dupré was a free man, believing forever after that he was saved from certain death by the protective powers of his guardian gold Angel. By the mid-19th century, the Angel’s reputation for good luck was firmly entrenched. Captains seldom went to sea without one. French pilots inWorld War I rarely took flight without a gold Angel coin in their kit, believing it would protect them from the Red Baron and his aces. During World War II, the chief of Hitler’s Luftwaffe, Hermann Goering, became obsessed with these French angel coins. Confiscating all he could find, he presented them to ace German fighter pilots as rewards for every fifth Allied plane shot down. Recently, a few small caches of sequestered Angels have come to light in Europe, perhaps left over from the war. Sometimes completely unavailable, these gold coins are a true gift from the past. Today these historic coins retain their desirability and fascination, especially in brilliant uncirculated condition. Whether you’re a coin collector, gold investor, or just a history buff, these coins are an excellent value at today’s unusually low prices. Get ‘em while they last!   Place a Bid!