When you think about traveling to France, you might picture the Eiffel Tower or delicious croissants. However, if you find yourself there today, you’ll be using the euro instead of the old French franc. This change happened in 2000, ending a long history of French coins and paper money. Surprisingly, if you have the right French coin, you could be nearly half a million dollars richer!
French coins have a fascinating history. The first franc was created in 1360 by King Jean II Le Bon as a ransom payment when he was captured by King Edward III of England. Fast forward about 300 years, and King Louis XII replaced the franc with silver and gold coins, but the name “franc” stayed around.
During the reign of King Louis XIV, France faced wars that led to a shortage of coins. This situation made many coins from that time very valuable today. In 1726, the government made new gold coins to help revive France’s economy. By the end of the 18th century, the franc was reintroduced, with specific rules about its composition. The first 1-franc coin was minted in 1795.
Today, many collectors and dealers seek coins from 1800 or earlier. Here’s a list of 13 valuable French coins that might be hiding in your collection, along with their estimated values.
13 Valuable French Coins
| Coin Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1640 Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or | $456,000 |
| 1670 Louis XIV 15 Sols | $132,000 |
| 1803 Napoleon gold Proof Medallic Essai 5 Francs, L’An XI | $95,000 |
| 1270 Louis IX, Royal d’Or de Noyon | $60,000 |
| 1646 Louis XIV, Double Louis d’Or | $56,000 |
| 1815 Napoleon “100 Days” 5 Francs | $24,000 |
| 1641 Louis XIII gold 2 Louis d’Or | $19,000 |
| 1722 Louis XV gold coronation token | $18,000 |
| 1724 Louis XV Double Louis d’Or “Mirliton” | $17,600 |
| 1867 Napoleon III gold Proof Essai 25 Francs | $16,000 |
| 1357 Aquitaine, Edward III, Gold Leopard d’Or | $15,000 |
| 1815 Napoleon “100 Days” 2 Francs | $12,000 |
| 1720 Louis XV, gold Louis d’Or | $9,600 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have old French coins, it’s worth checking their value. Coins like the 1640 Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or could earn you a whopping $456,000! Many coins from before the euro was adopted are highly coveted by collectors. Always remember to have any potentially valuable coins appraised by a professional to know their true worth. You could be sitting on a hidden treasure!
FAQ’s
How can I find out if my old coins are valuable?
You can research their history and value online, or take them to a professional coin dealer for an evaluation.
Why are some French coins worth so much?
French coins can be valuable due to their age, rarity, and historical significance. Coins from specific periods, like the reigns of certain kings, are often more sought after.
Where can I sell my rare French coins?
You can sell them to coin dealers, at auctions, or online through marketplaces like eBay.