This French 20 Franc Rooster collectible coin is inspired by one of the most beloved and recognisable designs in European numismatic history. The obverse features the iconic portrait of Marianne — the allegorical figure of the French Republic — in right profile, wearing a laurel wreath and a Phrygian cap, encircled by the inscription REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE and signed by the engraver J.C. Chaplain. The reverse displays the proud Gallic Rooster (Le Coq Gaulois) standing tall, encircled by France's national motto LIBERTÉ · ÉGALITÉ · FRATERNITÉ, with the denomination 20 Fcs and the date 1914 below.
The French 20 Franc Rooster was struck from 1899 to 1914 and represents the final flourish of the Belle Époque — the golden age of French culture, art, and prosperity before the outbreak of World War I. The 1914 issue is the last year of this celebrated series, making it a particularly poignant piece for collectors of European and French history. This piece is a French historical collectible coin designed for display and collection.
About the Design
Marianne is the national personification of the French Republic, representing liberty, equality, and reason. She has appeared on French coins, stamps, and official seals since the Revolution. The Gallic Rooster — Le Coq Gaulois — is one of France's oldest national symbols, rooted in a Latin wordplay between gallus (Gaul) and gallus (rooster). It has represented French national pride and vigilance for centuries. Together on the 20 Franc coin, these two symbols encapsulate the spirit of the Third French Republic at its height. The engraver Jules-Clément Chaplain was one of the most celebrated medallists of the 19th century, and his Marianne portrait is considered a masterpiece of French numismatic art.
Product Features
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Design: Marianne obverse / Gallic Rooster reverse
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Material: Brass base with gold-tone plating
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Weight: Approx. 40g
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Finish: Gold-tone
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Style: 1914 issue
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Packaging: Securely packaged and ready for gifting or display
Perfect For
- French history and European coin collectors
- Belle Époque and pre-WWI era enthusiasts
- Display in coin cabinets, shadow boxes, or collector trays
- Unique gifts for Francophiles, history buffs, or numismatic hobbyists
- Collectors building themed European or French Republic coin sets
Display Idea
This coin displays beautifully in a velvet-lined coin tray or shadow box alongside other Belle Époque and pre-WWI European collectibles. Many collectors pair it with other historical world coins from our collection to build a curated display spanning the great coinage traditions of 19th and early 20th-century Europe.
Explore more historical designs in our Historical World Coins Collection.
Shipping
Free worldwide tracked shipping · Estimated delivery: 9–14 days · Each coin is securely packaged for safe arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the French 20 Franc Rooster coin?
The French 20 Franc Rooster (or Coq Gaulois) was a gold coin struck by the French Third Republic from 1899 to 1914. It featured Marianne on the obverse and the Gallic Rooster on the reverse, and was one of the most widely circulated gold coins in pre-WWI Europe. The 1914 issue is the final year of the series, struck just as World War I began and France suspended gold coinage — making it a historically significant date for collectors.
Who is Marianne and why does she appear on French coins?
Marianne is the allegorical personification of the French Republic, representing the values of Liberté, Égalité, and Fraternité. She has appeared on French coins, stamps, and official seals since the Revolution of 1789. The portrait on this coin was designed by Jules-Clément Chaplain, one of the most celebrated French medallists of the 19th century, and is considered one of the finest Marianne portraits in French numismatic history.
What material is this coin made from?
This collectible coin is made from a brass base with a gold-tone plating applied for a premium display finish. It is not made from gold bullion and has no precious metal content. The brass construction gives it a solid, weighty feel while the gold-tone finish replicates the warm lustre of the original historic coin.
Is this a good gift for a French history or coin enthusiast?
Absolutely. The French 20 Franc Rooster is one of the most admired coin designs in European numismatics, and the 1914 issue carries particular historical weight as the final year of the series. It makes a thoughtful and distinctive gift for Francophiles, history enthusiasts, coin collectors, or anyone with a love of Belle Époque art and culture. Each coin arrives securely packaged and ready for gifting.
This 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. This item is a commemorative collectible and is not affiliated with any official government mint.
Because every collection deserves one more coin.
