France - Napoleon (Emperor)
Napoleon was declared Emperor of the French in May 1804, ending the First French Republic.
Year AN12 coins were updated from stated First Consul on the obverse to Emperor, but were otherwise unchanged. Thereafter, there were many changes to coin designs.
Napoleon’s coins continued to use the French Republican calendar through 1805 (falling during AN14), when the Georgian calendar was used again. Technically, the First French Empire continued to be known as the French Republic until 1808, as depicted on the reverse of Napoleon’s coinage of those years. In late 1808, the end of the French Republic was unceremoniously acknowledged, to be reflected on coinage from 1 January 2009 on.
Napoleon was deposed in April 1814, and when he returned to power the next year many of the dies for silver coins had been lost or destroyed, except for the 5 francs. The 2 francs was re-created in 1815 and is noticeably different from the previous bust, but the 1 franc and half franc not minted. The gold 20 francs was struck in 1815, but the 40 francs was not.
| Year | Period |
|---|---|
| AN12 | 23 Sept 1803 - 22 Sept 1804 |
| AN13 | 23 Sept 1804 - 22 Sept 1805 |
| AN14 | 23 Sept 1805 - 1 January 1806 (abolished) |
Circulation Coins - Gold
Certain images are clickable for more detail
40 Francs
(Republican Calendar)
40 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar - Large Text Reverse)
40 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar - Small Text Reverse)
40 Francs
(Laurel Obverse - Republic Reverse)
40 Francs (Laurel Obverse, Empire Reverse)
20 Francs
(Republican Calendar - 1st Bust)
1803-1804 (AN12)
(Image: MDC Nov 2019)
20 Francs
(Republican Calendar - 2nd Bust)
20 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar - Large Text Reverse)
20 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar - Small Text Reverse)
20 Francs
(Laurel Obverse, Republic Obverse)
20 Francs
(Laurel Obverse, Empire Reverse)
20 Francs
(Hundred Days)
Circulation Coins - Silver
5 Francs
(Republican Calendar, 1st Bust)
5 Francs
(Republican Calendar, 2nd Bust)
5 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar, Republic)
5 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar, Republic, Wide Rim)
5 Francs
(Laurel Obverse, Republic Reverse)
5 Francs
(Laurel Obverse, Empire Reverse)
5 Francs
(Hundred Days)
2 Francs
(Republic Calendar, 1st Bust)
2 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar, 1st Bust)
2 Francs
(Gregorian Calendar, “African Head”)
2 Francs
(Laurel Obverse, Republic Reverse)
2 Francs
(Laurel Obverse, Empire Reverse)
2 Francs
(Hundred Days)
1 Franc
1 Franc
1 Franc
1 Franc
1 Franc
Demi Franc (1/2 Franc)
(Republican Calendar, 1st Bust)
Demi Franc (1/2 Franc)
(Gregorian Calendar, 1st Bust)
Demi Franc (1/2 Franc)
(Gregorian Calendar, “African” Bust)
Demi Franc (1/2 Franc)
(Laurel Obverse, Republic Reverse)
Demi Franc (1/2 Franc)
(Laurel Obverse, Empire Reverse)
Quart (1/4 Franc)
(Republic Calendar, 1st Bust)
Quart (1/4 Franc)
(Gregorian Calendar)
Quart (1/4 Franc)
(Republic Reverse, “African Head” Bust)
Quart (1/4 Franc)
(Laurel Obverse, Republic Reverse)
Quart (1/4 Franc)
(Laurel Obverse, Empire Reverse)
Napoleon I - 20 Francs Mintage Data
| Type | Mintage |
|---|---|
| Republican Calendar (AN12), Premier Consul | 1,046,506 |
| Republican Calendar (AN12), Emperor, Republic | 428,143 |
| Republican Calendar (AN13-AN14), Emperor, Republic | 672,880 |
| Gregorian Calendar (1806), Emperor, Republic | 594,332 |
| Gregorian Calendar (1807), Emperor, Republic | 996,367 |
| Gregorian Calendar (1807-1808), Laurel Head, Emperor, Republic | 1,725,753 |
| Gregorian Calendar (1809-1814), Laurel Head, Emperor, Empire | 13,820,586 |
| Gregorian Calendar (1815), Laurel Head, Emperor, Empire | 463,124 |
| Total | 19,747,691 |
Source: Numista
20 Francs AN 12 Emperor
<Finest Examples >
The Republican Calendar, 1st bust type (AN12) was active from 23 September 1803 to 22 September 1804. Republican calendar year AN12 shares mintage with the Premier Consul version of this coin, which was changed after Napoleon I was declared Emperor in May 1804.
Only 33 examples are currently graded in mint state (12 in PCGS and 21 in NGC), including one PCGS MS64 that is still encapsulated but removed from the population for some reason.
Mint state graded not included below are PCGS MS62 (6 examples), NGC MS62 (7 examples), PCGS MS61 (2 examples), NGC MS61 (7 examples, 1 in MS61+).
Compiled 4 November 2024
AN12 PCGS MS64 (Cert Code Error)
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
AN12 PCGS MS64
(Image: Numismatica Genevensis Dec 2018)
AN12 PCGS MS64 (Removed from Pop)
(Image: Cgb Jun 2005)
AN12 PCGS MS64
(Image: PCGS / Tyrant Collection)
AN12 NGC MS64
(Image: MDC Nov 2019)
AN12 NGC MS64
(Image: Unknown 1x)
AN12 PCGS MS63
(Image: Spink Jul 2019)
AN12 NGC MS63
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
AN12 NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Sep 2016)
AN12 NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Jun 2007)
AN12 NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Jun 2006)
AN12 NGC MS63
(Image: Unknown 1x)
AN12 Ungraded “Splendido”
(Image: Hess-Divo May 2013)
AN12 Ungraded “Superb”
(Image: Numismatica Genevensis Dec 2006)
20 Francs (AN13-AN14)
< Finest Examples >
The Republican Calendar, 2nd bust type (AN13-AN14) was active from 23 September 1804 to 1 January 1806 when the Republican Calendar was abolished. Given that AN14 was only used for a few months (September to December 1805) it is especially rare.
The AN13 has two variants, recognized by PCGS but not NGC. PCGS refers to this as “Avec feuille” or “Sans feulles” (that is — with or without leaves). This refers to whether or not there are five leaves at 3 o’clock on the reverse, or only three. Since the leaves are partially covered by other leaves the difference is extremely difficult to make out. It resembles the Charles X 1830A variants, which are referred to as 4 leaves, 4 1/2 leaves, and 5 leaves.
For AN13, only 18 are graded in mint state (including one that is included in both PCGS and NGC) - three in NGC MS61 are not included below. Only three AN14 20 francs are graded mint state (included below)
Compiled 4 November 2024
< AN13 >
NGC MS64 Star
(Image: Unknown - Newly Added ~2023-2024)
AN13 - PCGS MS63+ (Sans feuille)
(Crossover from NGC MS63)
(Image: PCGS / Tyrant Collection)
AN13 - PCGS MS63 (Avec feuilles)
(Image: MDC Oct 2023)
AN13 - NGC MS63
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
AN13 - NGC MS63
(Image: NGC)
AN13 - NGC MS63
(Image: NGC)
AN13 - PCGS MS62+ (Sans feuille)
(Image: Monnais d'Antan May 2014)
AN13 - PCGS MS62 (Sans feuille)
(Image: Sincona May 2021)
AN13 - PCGS MS62 (Sans feuille)
(Image: Gadoury Oct 2022)
AN13 - PCGS MS62 (Sans feuille)
(Image: Emporium Hamburg Apr 2020)
AN13 - PCGS MS62 (Sans feuille)
(Image: Unknown1x)
AN13 - Ungraded UNC
(Image: Münzhandlung Jul 2020)
< AN14 >
AN13 - Ungraded UNC
(Image: Coin Cabinet Apr 2023)
AN14 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Gadoury Nov 2018)
AN14 - PCGS MS62
(Image: MDC Nov 2019)
AN14 - NGC MS61
(Image: Cgb Mar 2020)
20 Francs - Gregorian Calendar (1806) Large Text Reverse
< Finest Examples >
The French Republican calendar was abolished by Napoleon I effective 1 January 1806. The bust remained, but the year changed. Given the full year, the mintage for 1806 of about 1 million but was less than the peak mintage of about 3 million 20 francs per years during 1811-1813.
Mint state graded but not included below are PCGS MS62 (8 examples), NGC MS62 (12 examples, 1 in MS62+), PCGS MS61 (4 examples), NGC MS61 (6 examples).
Compiled 4 November 2024
1806 - PCGS MS64
(Image: Heritage Sep 2019)
1806 - PCGS MS64
(Crossover from NGC MS63)
(Image: PCGS / Tyrant Collection)
1806 - NGC MS64
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
1806 - NGC MS64
(Image: Unknown 1x)
1806 - PCGS MS63
(Image: PENDING Stacks Jan 2025)
1806 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Spink Jun 2021)
1806 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Creusy Numismatique Dec 2013)
1806 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Unknown 1x)
1806 - NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Nov 2024)
1806 - NGC MS63
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
1806 - NGC MS63
(Image: Auction World Apr 2019)
1806 - NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Aug 2024)
1806 - NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Jul 2019)
1806 - NGC MS63
(Crossover to PCGS MS64)
(Image: n/a)
20 Francs - Gregorian Calendar (1807) Small Text Reverse
< Finest Examples >
The year 1807 introduced a minor change in the bust, while maintained the nude head style and the Republic reverse. In August 1807 (per Gadoury), the bust was changed to add a laurel. Thus, the 1807 mintage is split between the nude head (~600k) and laurel (~250k).
Mint state graded but not included below are PCGS MS62 (7 examples), NGC MS62 (4 examples, 1 in MS62 star), PCGS MS61 (1 examples), NGC MS61 (6 examples).
Compiled 4 November 2024
1807 - PCGS MS64
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
1807 - PCGS MS64
(Image: Heritage May 2023)
1807 - PCGS MS64
(Image: MDC Oct 2023)
1807 - PCGS MS64
(Image: Tyrant Collection / Palombo Nov 2015)
1807 - NGC MS64
Crossover to PCGS MS64 (Tyrant Collection)
(Image: Palombo Nov 2015)
1807 - PCGS MS64
(Image: Unknown 1x)
1807 - NGC MS63+
(Image: MDC Oct 2023)
1807 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Heritage Jan 2024)
1807 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Private)
1807 - PCGS MS63
(Image: Unknown 1x)
1807 - NGC MS63
(Image: Heritage Nov 2024 / Stacks Jan 2015)
1807 - NGC MS63
(Image: Gadoury Nov 2019)
1807 - NGC MS63
(Image: N/A - Duplicate crossed over)
1807 - NGC MS63
(Image: Unknown 1x)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Republic Reverse (1807)
< Finest Examples >
1807A: PCGS MS66 x1, MS64 x1 (1+), MS63 x1, MS62 x5, MS61 x1
1807A: NGC MS64 x1 (1+), MS61 x1
1807A - PCGS MS66
(Image: Kunker Feb 2014 / PCGS)
1807A - PCGS MS64+
(Same as NGC MS64+ - Unclear which is active)
(Image: PCGS)
1807A - NGC MS64+
(Same as PCGS MS64+ - Unclear which is active)
(Image: Gadoury Oct 2021)
1807A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Unknown x1)
1807A - PCGS MS63
(Image: Pending - Stacks Jan 2025)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Republic Reverse (1808)
< Finest Examples >
1808A PCGS MS65 x1, MS64 x3, MS63 x4, MS62 x12, MS61 x2
1808A NGC MS65 x2 (1+), MS64 3x (1+), MS63 5x, MS62 10x, MS61 18x, MS60 2x
1808U NGC MS61 x1
1808W NGC MS61 x1
1808A - NGC MS65+
(Image: Heritage Feb 2022)
1808A - PCGS MS65
(Crossover from NGC MS65)
(Image: Tyrant Collection / PCGS)
1808A - NGC MS64+
(Image: Gaodury Oct 2022)
1808A - PCGS MS64
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
1808A - NGC MS64
(Image: Numismarket Feb 2019)
1808A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Chaponnière Nov 2023)
1808A - PCGS MS64
(Image: PCGS)
1808A - NGC MS64
(Image: Unknown x1)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse - 1809
< Finest Examples >
1809A: PCGS MS64 5x (2 +), MS63 7x, M62 9x, MS61 x1
1809A: NGC MS65 x1, MS64 x2, MS62 9x, MS61 6x, MS60 1x
1809W: NGC MS63 x1
1809A - NGC MS65
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
1809A - PCGS MS64+
(Image: Heritage Sep 2019)
1809A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Gadoury Oct 2022)
1809A - PCGS MS64+
(Image: Cgb Mar 2019)
1809A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Gadoury Oct 2020)
1809A - PCGS MS64
(Image: MDC Nov 2019)
1809A - NGC MS64
(Image: Unknown x2)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse - 1810
< Finest Examples >
1810A grand: PCGS MS64 7x, MS63 5x, MS62 8x (1+), MS61 5x
1810A petit: PCGS MS64 5x, MS63 x2, MS62 x6, MS61 x2
1810H: PCGS MS64 x1
1810Q: PCGS MS63x1 (1+)
1810W PCGS MS63 x4
1810A: NGC MS66 2x (1 star), MS65 3x, MS64 7x, MS63 14x (1 +), MS62 15x (1+), MS61 9x, MS60 x3
1810M: NGC MS62 x1
1810W: NGC MS61 x1
1810A - NGC MS66 Star
(Image: Unknown x1)
1810A - NGC MS66
(Image: Palombo Jan 2022)
1810A - NGC MS65
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
1810A - NGC MS65
(Image: Ginza Nov 2021)
1810A - NGC MS65
(Image: Nihon Jul 2021)
1810A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Pending 7x + 5x - Consider to add)
1810A - NGC MS64
(Image: Pending 7x - Consider to add)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse - 1811
< Finest Examples >
1811A: PCGS MS65 4x (1+), MS64 10x, MS63 25x (4+), MS62 29x (2+),MS61 1x
1812U: PCGS MS63 x1
1811W: PCGS MS64 x1 (1 +), MS63 x4, MS62 x6 MS61 x1
1811A: NGC MS65 x4 (1+), MS64 18x, MS63 28x (3+), MS62 x35 (1 +, MS61 x26, MS60 x4
1811K: NGC MS63 x1, MS61 x1
1811M: NGC MS61 x11
1811U: NGC MS62 x1, MS61 x1
1811W: NGC MS63 x1, MS62 x1, MS61 x2, MS60 x1
1811A - PCGS MS65+
(Crossed over from NGC MS65+)
(Image: Heritage Nov 2024)
1811A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Cgb Jun 2018)
1811A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x2)
1811A - NGC MS65+
(Crossed over to PCGS MS65+)
(Image: MDC Oct 2023)
1811A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Nov 2024)
1811A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Aug 2020)
1811A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Sep 2012)
1811A - Ungraded qFDC
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse - 1812
< Finest Examples >
1812A: PCGS MS66+ 1x, MS65 8x, MS64 19x (2 +), MS63 21x (4+), MS62 29x (2+),MS61 2x
1812L: PCGS MS63 x1
1812W: PCGS MS64 x6, MS62 x2x
1812A: NGC MS66 x3, MS65 6x (1+), MS64 14x (1+), MS63 17x, MS62 22x (1+), MS61 23x, MS60 x1
1812U: MS61 x1
1812W: NGC MS65 1x, MS64 2x, MS62 4x, MS61 6x, MS60 x1
Compiled 4 November 2024
1812A - PCGS MS66+
(Image: Heritage May 2024)
1812A - NGC MS66
(Image: Heritage Jan 2017)
1812A - NGC MS66
(Image: Unknown x1)
1812A - NGC MS66
(Image: Unknown x1)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Palombo Jan 2023)
1812A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Jan 2010)
1812A - NGC MS65+
(Image: NAC Dec 2022)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Stacks Aug 2021)
1812A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Jan 2015)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Heritage May 2024)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Palombo Jan 2022)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Saive Numismatique)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x1)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x1)
1812A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x1)
1812A - NGC MS65
(Image: Stacks Aug 2014)
1812A - NGC MS65
(Image: Pending x2)
1812A - Ungraded Proof
(Image: Numismatica Genevensis Nov 2014)
Lille Mint
1812W - NGC MS65
(Image: Palombo Jan 2022)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse - 1813
< Finest Examples >
1813A PCGS: MS65 x5, MS64 x8 (1+), MS63 x13 (1+), MS62 x24, MS61 x12, MS60 x1
1813W PCGS: MS65 x2, MS64 x8 (1+), MS63 x4 (2+), MS62 x1
1813A NGC: MS65 x2, MS64 x12, MS63 x17 (1+), MS62 x29 (1+), MS61 x28 (1+), MS60 x7
1813W NGC: MS65 x1, MS64 x1, MS63 x1, MS62 x1, MS60 x1
1813flag - NGC SP63, NGC MS62 x1; PCGS MS64 x1, PCGS MS63PL x1
1813L: PCGS MS62 x1
1813CL NGC MS63 x1
1813R - NGC MS62 x1
Compiled 4 November 2024
1813A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Palombo Jan 2022)
1813A - PCGS MS65
(Image: WAG Nov 2014)
1813A - PCGS MS65
(Crossover from NGC MS65)
(Image: Heritage Sep 2013 / Tyrant Collection)
1813A - PCGS MS65
(Image: PCGS)
1813A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x1)
1813A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Apr 2015)
Lille Mint
1813W - PCGS MS65
(Image: PCGS)
1813W - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x1)
1813W - NGC MS65
(Image: Stacks Nov 2015)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse - 1814
< Finest Examples >
[1814A: PCGS MS66 x1, PCGS MS65 x1, PCGS MS64 x2, PCGS MS63 x2, PCGS MS62 x4, PCGS MS61 x3
1814W: PCGS MS65 x3, PCGS MS64 x1, PCGS MS63 x1, PCGS MS61 x2
1814A: NGC MS63 x1, MS62 x6, MS61 x2]
1814W: NGC MS65 x1, NGC MS61 x1
1814CL: NGC MS62 x1
Compiled 4 November 2024
1814A - PCGS MS66
(Image: Stacks Jan 2015)
1814A - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x1)
1814A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Unknown x2)
Lille Mint
1814W - PCGS MS65
(Image: Heritage May 2024)
1814W - PCGS MS65
(Image: Unknown x2)
1814W - NGC MS65
(Image: Palombo Nov 2015)
1814W - PCGS MS64
(Image: Unknown x1)
20 Francs - Laurel, Emperor, Empire Reverse (1815)
< Finest Examples >
[PCGS MS65 x1, PCGS MS64 x5, PCGS MS63 x8, PCGS MS62 x2, PCGS MS61 x3
NGC MS66 x1, MS65 x4 (one in PCGS), MS64 x4 (1 +, 1 Star), MS63 x3, MS62 x10 (1+), MS61 x8.
Only non-1815A: 1815W NGC MS63+ is only mint state
Compiled 4 November 2024
1815A - PCGS MS65+ Cameo
(Crossover NGC PF65)
(Image: PCGS / CNG Aug 2014 / Tyrant Collection)
1815A - NGC MS66
(Image: Heritage Jan 2024)
1815A - NGC MS65
(Image: MDC Oct 2024)
1815A - NGC MS65
(Image: Heritage Sep 2019)
1815A - NGC MS65
(Image: NGC)
1815A - NGC MS64 Star
(Image: Unknown 1x)
1815A - NGC MS64+
(Image: Gadoury Oct 2023)
1815A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Teutoburger Münzauktion 2013)
1815A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Palombo Oct 2018)
1815A - PCGS MS64
(Image: Unknown 3x)
1815A - NGC MS64
(Image: Ebay Oct 2022 / NGC)
1815A - NGC MS64
(Image: Unknown 1x)
Lille Mint
1815W - NGC MS63+
(Image: Unknown 1x)
1815W - Ungraded qFDC
(Image: Numismatica Genevensis Dec 2006)