The value of a 1950 French 20 Francs coin can vary significantly depending on several factors, including its condition, mint location, and specific variety. Here’s a breakdown of the information available:
- Average Circulated Condition: You can find these coins for around $4.16 USD. These are typically copper-aluminum (91% copper, 9% aluminum).
- Very Good (VG) Condition: One reference indicates a value of $0.14 USD for a 1950 20 Francs (KM# 916.1) in VG condition, and $0.58 for a 1950 B (Beaumont-le-Roger mint) in VG condition.
- Average Circulated Condition (Random): A 20 Franc coin from France circulated between 1950 and 1954, picked randomly and in grades from Good to Very Fine, is priced at $8.05 USD on eBay.
- Essai (Pattern) Coin (Paris Mint): A 1950 20 Francs “Essai” coin from Paris in Mint State (MS) is listed for approximately $323.70 USD.
- Beaumont-le-Roger Mint (4 Plumes/Tail Feathers):
– A 1950 20 Francs from the Beaumont-le-Roger mint (identified by a “B” mintmark) with four plumes (tail feathers on the rooster design) is considered a rarer variety.
– One seller describes a 1950 France 20 Francs with 4 plumes as rare and in excellent condition, although ungraded.
– Another listing, a 1950-B France 20 Francs (3-Plume Variety) KM#916.2 XF is available for an unstated price on eBay, with the seller noting its historical significance despite being ungraded.
– A 1950 Beaumont-Le-Roger coin (4 plumes variety), graded SUP62 by PCGS, is listed for approximately $292.49 USD. It’s worth noting that a 4-plume variety has been identified as counterfeit in one description.
- Extremely Fine (EF) Condition: A 1950 20 Francs in EF condition is priced around $401.70 USD.
- The condition of your 1950 20 Francs coin plays a crucial role in its value. A coin in better condition will generally be worth more.
- “Essai” (pattern) coins and those from the Beaumont-le-Roger mint with specific feather variations tend to be more valuable due to their rarity.
- There are variations in the number of tail feathers on the rooster design (3 or 4 plumes). The 4-plume variety seems to be rarer.
Note: To get an accurate appraisal of your specific 1950 20 Francs coin, consider consulting a professional numismatist or submitting it for grading. You can also explore online marketplaces like eBay to see what similar coins are currently selling for.
Are 20 francs solid gold?
The 20 franc coins are 21 mm in diameter (about the size of a U.S. five-cent piece or a Swiss 20 Rappen coin), weigh 6.45 grams (gross weight) and; at 90% pure, contain 0.1867 troy ounces (5.807 g) of pure gold.
How to authenticate a 20 franc gold coin?
Great question! Identifying Authentic Franc Gold Coins
First, pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the coin. Authentic Franc Gold Coins have specific measurements that can be verified with a precise scale and calipers. For example, a genuine 20 Franc Gold Coin weighs 6.45 grams and has a diameter of 21 millimeters.