Introduction:
Perhaps the best treasures within the old coin collection reside there. French coins remain historical artifacts with some fetches going through the skies today in collector’s marketplace. The numismatic precious jewels have the stories on the history of royal houses, political revolution, or changes in economy for long years in the history of France.
Some of the rarest French coins reach as high as $456,000 and thus become highly sought after. Some coins, such as Louis d’Or series, are famous and well prized for not only being good artistic pieces but also being of great importance on the historical side of things. This could include commemorative pieces created by Napoleon.
You will learn 13 top French coins that can make your collection turn into gold in this guide. We shall take a look at the following: coins from various ages, such as royal mint issues from the medieval age.
- Scottish rare colonial currency
- Revolutionary-era works
- Napoleonic medallions
Whether you are an experienced collector or merely curious about the worth of coins you inherited, this list will help identify valuable French coins in your collection.
Understand the Value of French Collectible Coins
Value of French coins is pretty much derived from a couple of integral factors that coin collectors and experts scrutinize very carefully in the whole process of valuing coins:
Rarities:
- Minted quantities – the fewer coins made, the more valuable the coins
- Surviving mintages: coins that managed to survive wars, melting or destruction
- Rarity, unique variations, or error of the mint
The coin collector values rarity. This includes not only the minted quantities but also the survivors and one-of-a-kind or mint error examples.
Physical Condition:
- Grade level 1-70 scale
- Orignal mint finish
- Due to a lack of cleaning and damage
- Retains fine detail.
The physical condition of a coin is graded on a system. A single grade difference could possibly make thousands of dollars in variation in value, so it is highly dependent on knowing your rare coin knowledge in this market.
History Importance:
- Relating it to great historical events
- Association with influential kings or leaders
- Cultural importance in specific periods
More expensive at the auctions are coins of historical value. Currently, their interest has increased on French royal coinage, particularly coins during the Louis XIII through Napoleon periods.
Market Fundamentals
- Auction house competition drives up the prices
- Private collector demand drives up the value
- Respectable grading services authentication
- Ownership history documentation
The collectible French coin market is operated by auction houses, private coin dealers, and online exchange platforms.
High price competitiveness is seen while competitive bidding determines prices during sales, especially on those rare pieces that will arouse heated competition from seasoned collectors. This can be noted with the Elias berg sale where new records have been made in rare sales.
They determine their price. Such organizations check for authenticity, examine the coin’s condition, and grade it numerically.
Top 13 Valuable French Coins You Need to Know
There are treasures in French numismatics that may make even a casual collector become highly fortunate as an investor. Of the 13 of such magnificent French coins to testify to history, art, and significant monetary values, some of which can be seen below:
1. 1640 Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or
This beautiful gold has a weight of 67 grams. It is sufficient to be one of the best ever minted back then in the 17th century by France. Forged under the rule of Louis XIII, there exist the following features which justify this particular piece to become spectacular:
- Chiseled Beauty: Features a laureate bust of Louis XIII on the obverse
- Fine Engraving: Cross of eight L’s on the backside
- Historical Value: The heaviest gold of all coins in this series
The 1640 Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or has been placed at nearly half a million dollars-$456,000-estimated as the most valuable money printed in France today. That is due in large part to low mint runs. Experts say perhaps as few as ten known survivors exist today.
They specially love the coin since it bears the following attributes:
- Exquisite preservation state
- Genetic lineage to the monarchs of France
- Historical setting unmatched during the transition of the economic regime of France
- Prospects of an investment for this rare high-value market for numismatic coins
Auction sales data indicate continued appreciation of value. It is sold at more than three times an aggressive estimate of collectors looking for flawlessly preserved specimens. Cited examples are established authors and historians of numismatics who provide authentication documents with provenance for the treasure piece.
2. 1670 Louis XIV 15 Sols
One of the rarest silver coins which reflect France’s colonial ambitions is the 1670 Louis XIV 15 Sols. This was particularly designed to be used in West Indies colonies.
Recently, Cherrystone Auctions reported that a minted copy sold at Heritage Auctions for $128,500 in 2019.
This coin is particularly rare because of the low number of its mintage combined with a very high rate of loss in colonial trade.
Most surviving specimens come with heavy wear from the circulation in the harshly tropical conditions, so these well-preserved examples bring much value to collectors’ collections.
These examples bring much value in auctions often, as testified by prices realized in several auction houses, including notable sales collected by Steve Album Rare Coins.
1803 Napoleon Gold Proof Medallic Essai “Paris Mint Visit” 5 Francs
The 1803 Napoleon Gold Proof Medallic Essai is one of the significant coins that proves Napoleon Bonaparte had a keen interest in the coinage of France. The coin is a recognition of his visit to the Paris Mint, which was the first time such an important event had been recorded in French numismatics.
Coin Characteristics:
- Striking: On the obverse side, you see a highly detailed portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte with facial features and hair locks that characterize his face.
- It bears the denomination and mint marks in superb definition, proof hallmark.
- It sells for $60,000 due to three compelling reasons.
1270 Louis IX Royal d’Or de Noyon
Royal d’Or de Noyon is a rare example of medieval French jewelry that was minted by the King Louis IX reign. It is a rather gold coin with fine gothic designs. The face of the coin has the representation of the king sitting in his throne, holding a scepter and orb, a symbol of royal power.
Produced at the city of Noyon during a time when substantial monetary reforms were implemented, this coin reflects the aspiration of Louis IX in efforts to create a standardized currency system for France. Its current market price of about $56,000 is a balance of history and condition.
Key features:
- Made entirely of gold
- Weighs about 4 grams
- Has particular Gothic lettering
- Comprises royal icons typical of the medieval French coin
- One of the few remaining specimens of the Noyon mint.
This coin can be attributed to its limited run and the historical practice of melting gold coins for their metal content. This coin is so valuable because of its connection to Saint Louis IX, the only French king canonized by the Catholic Church.
1646 Louis XIV Double Louis d’Or
The 1646 Double Louis d’Or represents the glory of Louis XIV’s reign. This gold coin is that of the young Sun King, minted in the early years of his 72-year reign, the longest for any European monarch.
Key Features:
- Weight: 13.5 grams of.917 fine gold
- Diameter: 28mm
- Mint mark: Paris (A)
- Portrait shows Louis XIV at age 8
The obverse relief shows a detailed bust of the young king in the laurel wreath of his laureate status. On the reverse relief, it shows crowned shields with fleur-de-lis symbols. Recent sale data reflects steady price increases.
Specimens graded and authenticated as VF+ went as high as $24,000. Private collectors seek examples with mint-marks clear and with few marks on the portrait on the king’s face.
The Double Louis d’Or series is a landmark event in French monetary history in the standardization of French coinage under the financial reforms of Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
1815 Napoleon “100 Days” 5 Francs
The 1815 Napoleon “100 Days” 5 Francs captures a piece of history in France. The coin is rare and was minted during Napoleon’s brief return to power following his escape from Elba-a period of only 100 days before his final defeat at Waterloo.
Key Features:
- Minted in very limited quantities during the brief reign of Napoleon
- The portrait of Napoleon has visible aged appearance
- High-grade specimens have great detail
- Current market value: $19,000
The coin’s history is, of course, tied directly to the last attempt Napoleon made to regain power. Many collectors hold these pieces in such high esteem because they can be taken directly from the dramatic times of this history, and well-preserved pieces are scarce.
Recent data from the auction houses continues to display steady price appreciation, but especially for specimens where the details of the strike are not obscured by a lot of wear.
The “100 Days” 5 Francs is a piece of numismatic art and history recording and is very in-demand among collectors who have made it their specialty in terms of collecting coins from the Napoleon era.
Other famous French coins
There are also other French coins that became very valuable in today’s market. One example would be the Louis XV Écu of 1747, one which is very unique due to its design, since on it is the face of the king and even minute floral designs. The cost is $15,000.
Here are other known coins and their price appraisal:
- 1793 Louis XVI 6 Livres – $12,000
- 1809 Napoleon Empire 40 Francs – $9,500
- 1824 Charles X 5 Francs – $8,200
- 1855 Napoleon III 100 Francs – $7,800
Recent auction records show increasing popularity for these dates, especially those specimens well-defined mint marks and a state of preservation of minimum wear. In private sales, the price recorded even much higher on coins which have documented provenance or of the highest order preservation.
Special mention, of course, must go to the 1804 Napoleon Premier Consul 5 Francs, sold recently at a European auction for $16,500-about double its pre-sale estimate. That was telling in itself as to the rising appetite for international collectors in the coinage of the Napoleonic era.
Explore the Rare World of French Coins!
Searching for rare French coins is an exciting adventure in which history and a little potential financial gain can merge together. Each coin holds its own story and depicts the diverse past of France-from medieval kings to the empire of Napoleon.
There may be hidden gems in your collection.
Take some time to browse your family heirlooms, inherited collections, or coins collected during trips to France. You might discover a valuable treasure like the Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or, worth up to $456,000.
The Increasing Market for Rare French Coins
Rare French coins are gradually becoming the next in demand in the market. Its collectors vary from those history lovers and serious investors alike. Apart from marking very important historical events, such coins are potential investment assets.
FAQs
What is the value of French coins in the collector’s market?
The French coins are historically valued and in great demand among the collectors, due to their scarcity and rarity. This article explores 13 specific coins that could make a pretty penny at an auction.
Which are some of the most valuable French coins?
Among the priciest French coins, there are 1640 Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or, worth $456,000; 1670 Louis XIV 15 Sols, worth $132,000; and 1803 Napoleon Gold Proof Medallic Essai ‘Paris Mint Visit’ 5 Francs, worth $60,000.
How useful can rare French coins be?
Owning rare French coins has cultural importance, and at the same time, stands a chance of increasing in value for money over time.