The 1896 French 50 franc Angel gold coin offers collectors and investors a tremendous value. This is the case because the coin's beautiful design, rarity and precious metal content offers collectors and investors something they can enjoy for many years.
To see why this is the case, please read this introductory guide to the 1896 French 50 franc Angel gold coin that can help collectors and investors learn more about this fascinating coin.
Specifications:
Approximate mintage: 62,500.
Face Value: 50 francs.
Mintmark: “A.”
Place of Manufacture: Paris.
Weight: 0.4467 troy ounces.
Diameter: 28 mm.
Thickness: 2.65 mm.
Purity: 90% pure gold, 10% alloy.
Obverse Designer: Augustine Dupre.
Reverse Designer: R. Eume.
Design Information:
The French 50 franc Angel gold coin features a striking portrait of an angel standing on a pedestal on the obverse. The angel is accompanied by a rooster located on the viewer’s right and Roman-style fasces to the viewer’s left. The reverse features a wreath that encircles the value. The mint mark appears underneath the wreath at 6 o’clock. The reverse also has the words “Liberte”, “Egalite” and “Fraternite” written in an arc across the reverse.
How to purchase an 1896 French 50 franc Angel gold coin:
As far as we know, this coin was produced strictly for commerce uses. As a result, there are no known Proofs examples of this coin available to collectors.
This lack of Proof examples has created a heavy demand for this coin in strict Uncirculated condition.
However, it is very difficult to locate an 1896 French franc Angel gold coin in Uncirculated condition. This is the case because the 1896 French 50 franc Angel gold coin is typically found with heavy wear that can be found on the angel’s face and fasces on the obverse. The reverse also typically shows heavy wear on the wreath and the date.
Moreover, the coin typically displays the pale orange color that is associated with cleaning. This is the case because many of these coins were used as jewelry pieces in necklaces and bracelets.
As a result, unless you are purchasing the coin for its gold content, it is worthwhile to look for examples that have slight wear on the angel’s face and on the rooster’s breast. Coins that are in this condition are considered to be in Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated condition. They are a great value because while they show most of the coin’s neat design features, they cost a fraction of the retail price for a full Uncirculated example.
Finally, try to look for a French 50 franc Angel gold coin that features a rich mustard-yellow color on the obverse and reverse. This is a good sign that the coin has never been cleaned.
Collectors and investors that look for 1896 French 50 franc gold Angels that have these attributes will often receive a great value. This is the case because they will purchase an affordable gold coin that still features all of the neat design elements that make the coin popular with collectors.
Therefore, be sure to take some time to look for a high-quality example of this coin. You won’t be disappointed with the results.