Napoleon (coin)
The Napoleon is the colloquial term for a former French gold coin. The coins were minted (at various times) in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 40, 50 and 100francs. This article will focus on the 20 franc coins issued during the reign of Napoleon, which are 21 mm in diameter, weigh 6.45 grams (gross weight) and, at 90% pure, contain 0.1867 troy ounces or 5.801 grams of pure gold. The coin was issued during the reign of Napoleon I and features his portrait on the obverse. The denomination (known as the Franc Germinal French franc#French Empire and Restoration) continued in use through the 19th century and later French gold coins in the same denomination were generally referred to as "Napoleons". Earlier French gold coins are referred to as Louis (the name of eighteen French Kings) or écu (an old French word for shield).
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Read more about Napoleon (coin): Overview, A Curious Incongruity?, Dates of Usage of The "Napoléon" Coins, French Coins Minted in London?, First Authorized By The Monetary Ordinance of 28 March 1803, Distinguishing Marks of The Mint Masters, The Engravers, Notes On Varieties of Napoleon Coins, “Coins, A Reflection of The Political Events of 1814–1815”, List of 20 Franc French Coin Issues
Famous quotes containing the word napoleon:
“Who are we? And for what are we going to fight? Are we the titled slaves of George the Third? The military conscripts of Napoleon the Great? Or the frozen peasants of the Russian Czar? No—we are the free born sons of America; the citizens of the only republic now existing in the world; and the only people on earth who possess rights, liberties, and property which they dare call their own.”
—Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)