A 20-franc coin from 1807

An original gold coin with a face value of 20 francs (Napoleondor), minted in Paris in 1807. This specimen is of great numismatic and historical interest, as it belongs to the famous "hybrid" type of the transitional period. On the obverse of the coin, Napoleon Bonaparte is already titled as The Emperor (NAPOLEON EMPEREUR), while on the reverse the legend still reads "The French Republic" (REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE). This political and terminological contradiction existed on the coins until 1809.

900 gold, stamped. Weight 6.45 g. The diameter is 21 mm. Mint: Paris (letter "A") Circulation 2971733 copies. General Engraver of the coin type: Jean-Pierre Droz

Obverse: profile portrait of Emperor Napoleon I wearing a laurel wreath, facing left. There is a circular legend along the edge: NAPOLEON EMPEREUR.. Under the base of the neck there is a small signature of the author of the coin type DROZ F. Reverse: the face value of 20 FRANCS is indicated in the center in two lines, framed by a laurel wreath. There is a circular inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE along the edge. The year of minting is indicated in the lower part — 1807.. To the left of the year is the mint director's badge (rooster), to the right is the letter A (Paris). Edge: Indented inscription in French "DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE" ("God protects France"). Guarantee of authenticity.

Very good collector's condition (VF/XF). The coin has a pleasant, soft golden sheen and an even age-old patina. There is a slight uniform wear of the details of the laurel wreath on the emperor's head and the leaves on the reverse. The margins are clean, with standard micro-scratches from short-term use. The circular inscriptions, the nominal numbers and the signs of the masters are perfectly readable. The edging is smooth, the border inscription is deep, clear, without traces of cuts or mechanical interventions of forgers.

The year 1807 was the time of Napoleon Bonaparte's greatest power in Europe after the signing of the Peace of Tilsit. Coins of this period were actively used to meet the needs of the French army and international trade. Napoleondors of the "Emperor/Republic" type were minted for a short time, which makes them an indispensable and highly sought-after element in any serious collection on the era of the Napoleonic Wars.