The French 20 Francs Angel coin is popular for its simple but extremely impressive design. On the front side of the coin we find the Angel Genius signing the French Constitution. The constitution is located on a tablet. The angel is standing on a pedestal. On the left side of the Angel is a pillar and on the right side is a rooster. On the top of the angel is written the word ‘Republique Francaise’.
On the back side of the coin we find the inscription ’20 FRANCS’ along with the year when the coin was minted. These inscriptions are engraved in the midst of a wreath. On the top of the wreath the word ‘LIBERTE EGALITE FRANTERNITE’ is engraved.
A legend of the angel:
According to historians, Augustine Durpre designed this coin in the year 1792. The name of the angel engraved on the coin is ‘Louis D’or’. For having engraved the angel on the coin, Durpre was punished and was to be beheaded. Interestingly, Durpre escaped the beheading by bribing the guard with a coin of the angel which he had in his pocket and perhaps the guard helped him to escape. Interestingly again, Napoleon Bonaparte carried this coin of the angel in his pocket and he lost the coin before the famous war of ‘Waterloo’ and from then on Napoleon saw the downfall of his empire.
French 20 Francs Angel gold coin is one of the coins which were in circulation for a considerably short period of time. It is believed that this coin was in circulation during the period 1899 to 1906. Prior to this, this coin was in use during the years 1848-1849. During the period earlier to 1848, gold coins were in fact being minted but they were without the image of the Angel. Even with the short period of circulation, the coin has made a name amongst the numismatists.
The French 20 Francs Angel coin has a gross weight of 6.4516 grams with 90% purity. This coin with a diameter of 12 mm has gold content of 0.1867 0z. Most of the European gold coins have high gold content and these coins are relatively small in size. This is true of French 20 Francs Angel also. It is easy to trade with small size coins and that is the reason why French 20 Francs Angel became a popular legal tender. On the other hand, these coins have historic value and are in great demand amongst numismatists.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Austrian 1000 Schilling
What more fitting commemoration can one imagine than minting a gold coin with a face value of Austrian 1000 Schilling? That was in the year 1976 when the Babenberg Dynasty of Austria crossed the 1000th year of the commencement of its dynasty.
The design of the coin:
The coin is beautifully designed by the renowned Martha Coufal Hartl with the Austrian Royal Eagle with a sickle and hammer in its talon. On the bottom of the eagle the face value of the coin, namely, Schilling 1000 is depicted. The word ‘Austrian Republic’ in Austrian language is written on the top of the eagle. Interestingly, while one side of the coin is designed by Martha Coufal Hartl, the other side of the coin is designed by Gertrude Simon, yet another renowned designer.
The side of the coin designed by Simon depicts a knight on horseback with a pennant in his hand. This is a commemoration of the Babenberg Dynasty perhaps in the early part of its dynasty. On the top of the knight is written ‘976 – 1976 EINSETZUNG DER BABENBERGER’ indicating the long travel this dynasty had in these 1000 years. History says that the Babenberg Dynasty ruled Austria during the period 976 to 1248 AD and later the House of Habsburg took over the reins of the country. The coin with 0.3906 troy ounce of gold has 90% purity.
Apart from this, the Austrian mint has also brought out other gold coins with Schilling 1000 face value with other distinct designs. It is also minting gold bullion coins weighing half ounce with Schilling 1000 face value.
What is unique about Austrian Gold and Bullion?
People prefer the Austrian Gold coins because they are a proof of purity (they are claimed to be 90% pure). Further, these coins are small in size and therefore easy to trade. According to the law prevailing, those who buy gold coins from European countries are not required to reveal their Social Security number. However, it is advised that those who want to claim tax rebate for purchase of these gold coins should consult their tax adviser and find out the applicability of tax law.
Legal position:
According to financial and legal experts, some countries have restrictions on the holding of these gold coins. For example, in USA, the Government can confiscate excess gold but the coins which have antique value are exempt from confiscation. Therefore, get the clear legal position on holding these gold coins from a competent authority.
The design of the coin:
The coin is beautifully designed by the renowned Martha Coufal Hartl with the Austrian Royal Eagle with a sickle and hammer in its talon. On the bottom of the eagle the face value of the coin, namely, Schilling 1000 is depicted. The word ‘Austrian Republic’ in Austrian language is written on the top of the eagle. Interestingly, while one side of the coin is designed by Martha Coufal Hartl, the other side of the coin is designed by Gertrude Simon, yet another renowned designer.
The side of the coin designed by Simon depicts a knight on horseback with a pennant in his hand. This is a commemoration of the Babenberg Dynasty perhaps in the early part of its dynasty. On the top of the knight is written ‘976 – 1976 EINSETZUNG DER BABENBERGER’ indicating the long travel this dynasty had in these 1000 years. History says that the Babenberg Dynasty ruled Austria during the period 976 to 1248 AD and later the House of Habsburg took over the reins of the country. The coin with 0.3906 troy ounce of gold has 90% purity.
Apart from this, the Austrian mint has also brought out other gold coins with Schilling 1000 face value with other distinct designs. It is also minting gold bullion coins weighing half ounce with Schilling 1000 face value.
What is unique about Austrian Gold and Bullion?
People prefer the Austrian Gold coins because they are a proof of purity (they are claimed to be 90% pure). Further, these coins are small in size and therefore easy to trade. According to the law prevailing, those who buy gold coins from European countries are not required to reveal their Social Security number. However, it is advised that those who want to claim tax rebate for purchase of these gold coins should consult their tax adviser and find out the applicability of tax law.
Legal position:
According to financial and legal experts, some countries have restrictions on the holding of these gold coins. For example, in USA, the Government can confiscate excess gold but the coins which have antique value are exempt from confiscation. Therefore, get the clear legal position on holding these gold coins from a competent authority.
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