{"product_id":"french-1973-20-francs-hercules-dupre-coin","title":"French 1973 20 Francs Hercules Coin – Dupré ESSAI Republic Collectible","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis French 20 Francs 1973 replica captures one of the most celebrated coin designs in French numismatic history — the iconic \u003cstrong\u003eHercules group\u003c\/strong\u003e by master engraver Augustin Dupré. The obverse features three allegorical figures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e joined in unity: \u003cstrong\u003eHercules\u003c\/strong\u003e — representing the strength of the French Republic — stands at centre, flanked by \u003cstrong\u003eLiberty\u003c\/strong\u003e (helmeted, left) and \u003cstrong\u003eEquality\u003c\/strong\u003e (holding a set square, right), all clasping hands beneath the inscription \u003cem\u003eLiberté Égalité Fraternité\u003c\/em\u003e. The design is signed \u003cstrong\u003eDupré\u003c\/strong\u003e at the base and marked \u003cstrong\u003eESSAI\u003c\/strong\u003e — indicating this is modelled on a trial proof strike, adding significant collector distinction. The reverse displays \u003cstrong\u003e20 FRANCS\u003c\/strong\u003e within an elegant wreath of oak and olive branches, with the inscription \u003cem\u003eRépublique Française 1973\u003c\/em\u003e and a single star.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hercules design has appeared on French coinage since the Revolution of 1789 and remains one of the most enduring symbols of the French Republic. The 1973 20 Francs ESSAI issue is particularly prized by collectors as a proof-style trial strike — produced in limited numbers to test the dies before full production. This 39mm replica faithfully reproduces the extraordinary sculptural relief of the original Paris Mint strike. This piece is a French Republic historical collectible coin designed for display and collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAugustin Dupré (1748–1833) was one of the greatest coin engravers in French history, appointed Engraver-General of French coins during the Revolution. His Hercules group design — first introduced in 1795 — became the defining image of Republican France, symbolising the unity of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity under the strength of the Republic. The design was revived for the 20 Francs series of the Fifth Republic in the 1960s and 1970s, with ESSAI (trial) strikes produced for collectors and numismatic archives. The Paris Mint — Monnaie de Paris — is one of the oldest continuously operating mints in the world, established in 864 AD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Free worldwide shipping   ✔ Secure checkout   ✔ Securely packaged for safe arrival\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hercules, Liberty and Equality group obverse \/ Oak and olive wreath reverse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInscription:\u003c\/strong\u003e Liberté Égalité Fraternité \/ République Française 1973\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrike Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e ESSAI (trial proof style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Copper with silver plating\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 39mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Antique silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Securely packaged, ready for display or gifting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors of French Republic and European coins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHercules, Dupré and French Revolutionary history enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESSAI and proof coin collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay in coin cabinets, shadow boxes, or collector trays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique gift for French history and art lovers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFree worldwide tracked shipping. Estimated delivery: 9–14 days. Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore more historical world currency replicas in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/onemorecoin.com\/collections\/historical-world-coins\"\u003eHistorical World Coins Collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis item is a commemorative collectible and is not legal tender, not issued by a government mint, and not an investment product. It is intended for hobby collecting and display purposes only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this an original 1973 French 20 Francs coin?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. This is a high-quality replica collectible inspired by the original 1973 French 20 Francs ESSAI struck at the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris). It is produced for display and collecting purposes only and is not an authentic historical artefact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does ESSAI mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eESSAI is the French word for \"trial\" — it refers to a proof or trial strike produced to test coin dies before full production. ESSAI coins are highly sought after by collectors for their rarity and fine detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is it made of?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe coin is made from copper with silver plating and features an antique silver finish replicating the appearance of the original Paris Mint piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this coin legal tender?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. This item is a commemorative collectible and is not legal tender, not issued by any government mint, and has no monetary value. It is intended solely for hobby collecting and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow is it packaged and when will it arrive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach coin is securely packaged for safe arrival. We offer free worldwide tracked shipping with an estimated delivery time of 9–14 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBecause every collection deserves one more coin.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OneMoreCoin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61679918645578,"sku":"CJJT173009101AZ","price":12.74,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/0886\/8682\/files\/french-1973-20-francs-hercules-dupre-coin-obverse.png?v=1776858107","url":"https:\/\/onemorecoin.com\/products\/french-1973-20-francs-hercules-dupre-coin","provider":"Onemorecoin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}