Gold French Francs

The French Franc is one of the most recognisable gold coins in Europe. First introduced in 1360, the coin was relatively insignificant until 1803, when the gold Franc coins were reintroduced by the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

The coins on offer show portraits of Napoleon, Napoleon III (nephew of Napoleon), Marianne (the national symbol of France), and the Guardian Angel - an interpretation of the Roman 'Genius'. This was a being like a guardian angel, who it is believed followed people around all their lives to provide guidance and protection from harm. There was a suggestion that this angel was the spirit of the French Revolution.