The Gold n Pawn

Coins World

From 1871 to 1891, the French minted a 20 Franc coin with a design called the “French Angel”. The coin’s design is attributed to Augustine Dupré, a French medalist of some fame (Thomas Jefferson even commissioned him to design a special coin).

According to legend, the design of the French Angel coin first emerged in 1792 – right at the peak of the French Revolution. Dupré minted a coin with the image of an angel because he believed deeply in the idea of Guardian Angels.

There is some speculation about the history of that first coin. The angel on it appears to inscribe the French Constitution. Given that the new French government wanted to bring down the sovereignty, it is possible that Dupré minted this first coin against the king’s wishes. Whether or not this is true, Dupré was sentenced to death by guillotine. One of these “Guardian Angel” coins was in Dupré’s possession when he walked to the platform to his death.

There are several legends that explain how the “Guardian Angel” saved Dupré from execution. The most popular is that he used this coin to bribe the executioner. The most fantastic is that the gleam from the coin caught the jailer’s eye and he was moved to release him. Either way, Dupré escaped execution that day, and attributed his good fortune to the coin.

A similarly fantastic legend about this early version of the coin exists in regards to Napoleon Bonaparte. The story goes that Bonaparte kept a “Guardian Angel” coin in his possession at all times, only to lose it right before the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was conquered and subsequently exiled.

Flash forward to 1871, when the 20 Franc Angel coin was minted. This coin was automatically considered to be lucky because of the legends attached to the early version of the coin. Minted until 1898, and again from 1899 to 1906, the coin was used as normal French currency.

One side of the coin depicts an angel writing the French Constitution, a rooster (a traditional French symbol), a candle, and is inscribed with the words “Republique Francaise”. The other side depicts the denomination and the year, with the words “Liberte, Ecalite, Fraternite” (Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood) inscribed above. The coins are 90% pure gold, and weigh 6.4516 grams.

World War I saw many pilots (French and American) carrying the coin for luck. Sea captains carried the coins for luck as well. By World War II the coins were still available. A German official in Hitler’s army used to give the coins to his pilots as awards. Despite this negative connotation, the coins remained popular with fighter pilots. Pilots from the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, and Desert Storm would carry the coins for good luck also.

People today still give the coins as gifts for luck, and many people have attributed their luck to the possession of one of these coins. The coins are surprisingly easy to come by, and many have come across them in their coin collections, their family estates, and more.

In today’s rough economic environment, one of these French Angel coins might just be as lucky as legend says they are. Gold is at a record high, and many organizations are keen to buy gold coins and jewelry. Check your collection to see if you might be one of the lucky ones who have a “Guardian Angel”.

The best online resource to sell coins or sell palladium can be found at http://www.refinity.com.

Spare Change Ep01: Coin collecting do’s and dont’s (gold and silver coins too)

Rockola BaseBall World Series 100% Original coin op unrestored and working $300,000.00

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 10000 SET $99,999.99

100600 Coins All World Mix Coins very Nice $44,852.16

500 KILOS 100% UNCIRCULATED WORLD COINS , 80+ COUNTRIES, AWESOME MIXTURE $24,750.00

2011 World heritage 5oz gold coin -the historical monuments of Dengfeng $24,500.00

Lot of 5 Rare All GEM UNC WTC Recovery World Coins Gold 1 OZ. AUS,AUST,US,CA,ZA $18,300.00

Amazing World Antique Gold Coin Collection Lot of 410 OLD Coins 17 Pound Box $15,775.00

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 1000 SETS FOR PROJECT / PROMOTIONS $11,999.99

US & World Stamp & Coin Reference Book Library More Than 1,200 Books $11,000.00

INDIA 11 – 12 CENTURY WORLD SMALLEST GOLD COIN 1000 PCS $9,999.99

200 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES / TERRITORIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION LOT OF 100 SETS $9,999.99

German World War II Nazi Coin Collection 5 Mark, 2 Mark, Silver, Copper, Zinc, $9,999.00

WORLD COIN COLLECTION ALL COUNTRIES $8,500.00

500 KILOS MIXED WORLD COINS , 80+ COUNTRIES, AWESOME MIXTURE $7,315.00

MEXICO WORLD CUP 1970 GOLD AND SILVER COIN SET $6,000.00

1995 gold&silver coin set-pingpong world championship $5,970.00

RRRRR ! 2001 PCGS MS69 WTC WORLD TRADE CENTER RECOVERY 4 COIN SET GOLD & SILVER $5,750.00

Big Buck Hunter World Edition Coin Operated Arcade Game $5,399.00

100 KILOS 100% UNCIRCULATED WORLD COINS , 80+ COUNTRIES, AWESOME MIXTURE $5,280.00

WORLD COIN & BANKNOTE INVENTORY (AND BUSINESS), DEPOSIT $5,000.00

1994 D WORLD CUP MS 70 PL( VERY RARE POP 5) COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN LOT706 $5,000.00

World Coin Collection Lot 59 Pound Melange Old Silver Proofs & More $4,950.00

2011 1kg World heritage silver coin the historical monuments of Dengfeng $4,580.00

56 OF 131 ! + COA PCGS WTC WORLD TRADE CENTER RECOVERY AUSTRALIA GOLD 3 COIN SET $4,500.00

16pc china1990-94 world famous people silver coins $4,320.43

WORLD SILVER PROOF CONSERVATION COIN COLLECTION 24 COINS FROM 1974/75/76 & COA $4,000.00

2003 world legacy Wu Lin Yuan gold coin $3,850.00

200 LBS BU UNCIRCULATED WORLD WIDE FOREIGN COINS! $2,929.50

Welcome To My World, Rare Elvis Coin $2,849.00

50 KILOS 100% UNCIRCULATED WORLD COINS , 80+ COUNTRIES, AWESOME MIXTURE $2,805.00

24K Worlds Finest Gold Miniatures Coin Collection Box COA 24CT $2,687.19

1991 China Silver Coin Set Mintage: 7,596 “World Cultural Figures No 2″ $2,690.00

Set of 3 1973 ISRAEL GOLD PROOF LIROT rare world coins $2,529.00

1973 ISRAEL GOLD PROOF LIROT rare world coins original holder w/COA Set of 3 $2,475.00

3200 Coins All World Mix Coins very Nice $2,282.15

30pc world year of child silver coin set, include china 1979 child silver coin $2,120.76

1990 NGC69 1/3oz gold coin—–Yellow Emperor World Cultural Famous People #1 $2,085.00

LOT OF 84 COINS AND PAPEL MONEY FROM AROUND THE WORLD LOOK $1,999.00

1990 1/3oz gold coin—–Yellow Emperor World Cultural Famous People #1 $1,790.00

1986 China 5Y WWF World Wildlife Fund PANDA Silver Coin PCGS MS70 $1,699.00

100 KILOS MIXED WORLD COINS , 80+ COUNTRIES, AWESOME MIXTURE $1,560.00

1986 turkey world peace 100000lira gold coin $1,479.60

500 Lirot 1974 ISRAEL GOLD PROOF Ben Gurion rare world commemorative coin $1,529.00

2000 Coins All World Mix Coins very Nice $1,488.36

Lot Of 38 Silver World Coins & Banknote 1979 Srilanka=6 , 1969-73 Iran=3 . $1,500.00

GARLANDO WORLD CHAMPION COIN-OP FOOSBALL TABLE~ITSF~NEW $1,499.99

100 Pounds Uncirculated World Foreign Coins,mint lot $1,487.99

1997 CANADA $200 DOLLARS GOLD COIN RAVEN BRINGING LIGHT TO THE WORLD $1,449.00

2005 AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND WORLD WAR I 90TH ANN $10 TEN DOLLAR GOLD PROOF 2 COIN $1,424.95

Uncirculated, 1997 $200 Gold Haida Mask Coin, Raven Bringing Light to the World $1,375.37

2011 china world heritage dengfeng gold silver coin $1,341.50

World Cup USA 1994 commemorative 6-coins set Gold,Silver,Clad $1,350.00

1994 P World Cup Soccer Half Dollar Coin NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO PF70 Perfect $1,349.99

2010 Shanghai China World Expo 3 coin Gold & Silver Proof Commemorative Set +COA $1,329.00

World Cup USA 1994 Coins Silver Gold Authentic Proof & Uncirculated soccer coins $1,300.00

2009 SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP MASCOT 999 GOLD PROOF 2 COIN BOX COA $1,299.95

1992 China Silver Coin Mintage: 6,000 “Tschaikovsky-World Cultural Figures No 3″ $1,290.00

Worlds Legendary Jet Fighters $50 Silver Proof Coin Collection $1,250.00

1600 Coins All World Mix Coins very Nice $1,190.69

THE HISTORIC SILVER COINS OF THE WORLD COLLECTION $1,200.00

10 x 2010 Shanghai World Expo 1oz $1 One Dollar Australian Shaped Silver Coin Au $1,100.00

14K GOLD COINS: Worlds Great GOLD Coins Miniatures $1,099.99

Iceland 1972 Fischer- Spassky – World Chess Championship – GOLD COIN $1,099.00

LARGE LOT OF 540+ COINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD $1,080.00

2010 silver and gold coin set—Shanghai world expo #2 $1,050.00

83 PCS WORLD SILVER COIN LOT 90% 800 900 925 & .999 FINE SILVER SCROLL PICTURES $1,000.00

Treasure Coins of the Ancient World $1,000.00

1948 B France 5 Francs Open 9 PCGS MS62 World Coin – Top Pop – Pop 1 – OCC $1,000.00

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 100 SETS FOR PROJECT / PROMOTIONS $999.99

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 100 SETS FOR PROJECT / PROMOTIONS $999.99

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 100 SETS FOR PROJECT / PROMOTIONS $999.99

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 100 SETS FOR PROJECT / PROMOTIONS $999.99

100 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION 100 SETS FOR PROJECT / PROMOTIONS $999.99

2150 Coins All World Mix Coins very Nice $999.99

World War II 50TH Anniversary 6 Coin Set Proof & Unci Proof & Unc WOOD BOX & COA $999.99

200 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES / TERRITORIES WORLD COIN COLLECTION LOT OF 10 SETS $999.99

WHOLESALE 10 WORLD’S 1st MILLENNIUM SILVER + COINS KIRIBATI FANCY WOOD BOXES $999.95

Disney World Mickey Pressed Penny Quarter Book Coin Holder NEW $999.77

2011 World heritage gold&silver coin -the historical monuments of Dengfeng $990.00

HUGE COLLECTION OF WORLD SILVER COINS ~ OVER 21 TROY OZ. ASW# BX 35 $989.00

The Worlds Finest Collection of Gold Plated Silver Coins 2009 $985.00

1994 D WORLD CUP HALF MS 70 (LOW POP 23)COMMEMORATIVE US SILVER COIN LT 833 $945.00

SILVER World Coins – 20oz actual SILVER content $912.42

1994W World Cup NGC RARE MS-70 $5 Gold Coin US Vault Collection L/M # 994-114 $900.00

INDIA 11 -12 CENTURY WORLD’S SMALLEST GOLD COIN LOT OF 100 PCS $899.99

Set of Three I Ching Coins $0.01 Old Chinese coins, when properly arranged and placed, have wide and varied uses in the application of Feng Shui. One of the simplest of these enhancements is to hang these coins in a particular manner on the handle on the inside of your front door. We have taken care of all the details, now all you have to do is hang this spectacular “cure” in your own space to begin to ENJOY ALL THE GOOD FORTUNE …

M&M’s Green Candy Dispenser gumball machine style Bank $36.95 This M&M Chocolate Candy Dispenser functions also as a bank. To operate, a coin will be inserted in the coin bank and the lever will be twisted. An M&M will be dispensed at the bottom and the coin will be saved….

Schrade 888OTB Junior Buffalo Horn Whittler Knife $10.91 Schrade Knives – Old Timer Whittler Pocket Knife with Buffalo Horn Handles: Model SCH-888OTB. 4″ closed. Stainless drop point, pen and coping blades. Buffalo horn handles with nickel silver bolsters and Old Timer inlay shield. Made in China….

Pieces of You $2.05 CD…

The Capitol Years $21.85 Three CD set in a ‘fat’ triple jewel box. Thick detailed booklet. Capitol label recordings….

The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss – The Cat’s Musical Tales $3.10 Includes “The Sounds All Around” and “Horton Has a Hit.” 52 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; bonus episode….

Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight, Black $3.75 FEATURES Easily attaches to just about anything with pocket clip or key ring: 1 Up to 8 hours run time: 2 Machined aircraft grade aluminum with anodized finish: 3 Uses 4 alkaline button cell batteries included: 4 White LED bulb with 10 lumens: 5 Weatherproof: 6 Includes a non-rotating snap hook for easy one handed operation when atta…

Honeywell RCWL300A1006 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button $31.94 The Honeywell RCWL300A P3 Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button makes it easy to replace your home’s generic doorbell ring with a chime tune that better fits your individual style. This chime is also compatible with a wide range of optional security accessories that can help you safeguard your home and family, and it comes complete with a pre-programmed bell push button. .caption …

Honeywell RCWL330A1000/N P4-Premium Portable Wireless Door Chime and Push Button $44.94 A premium door chime from Honeywell with the option of adding on security accessories offering peace of mind and custom upgrade possibilities. Add-on push buttons for other entrances around the home, door and window contacts for added security, or motion detectors for peace of mind inside and out. The RCWL330A incorporates six (6) visual alert icons to let you know which device has been triggered …

Maxell Watch Battery Button Cell LR41 AG3 192 Pack of 10 Batteries $0.01 10 pack Genuine MAXELL AG3 LR41 192 button cell battery…

Sony Lithium Coin Battery CR2025 $0.01 Sony Lithium Coin Battery- Size CR2025- 1 cell blister. It can be used in a broad range of applications, from quarts watches and clocks, a backup power sources for IC memories requiring long-term reliability over 10 years to PC motherboards, PDA and car keyless entry systems….

Energizer CR2032 Lithium Batteries (1 pack of 5) $3.04 5 New Type CR2032 Energizer Batteries This is a new set of 5 type CR2032 Energizer batteries Brand New & Guaranteed Factory Fresh. The shelf life on Energizer batteries is 5 to 10 years These batteries are commonly required for Swatch, Fossil, Timex and Casio popular brands Energizer’s reported failure rate is far less than 1/1000 of 1% This devotion to consistent quality has led it to control ove…

SMK-Link Pilot Pro Presenter Remote and Red Laser Pointer (VP6450) $44.95 50′ RF wireless rangeWireless remote for Powerpoint and Keynote presentations360 mouse pointingLaser pointerUSB receiver fits in remotePC and Mac patiblePlug-and-present…

Case Logic TNC-15F 15.4-inch Fullsize Classic Laptop Case (Black) $15.49 MODEL- TNC15F VENDOR- CASE LOGIC FEATURES- 15.4″ Black Laptop Case Organized efficient and ready to work wherever you go. Classic full-featured lightweight briefcase holds 15.4 inch laptops in durable protective material. Featuring multiple organization pockets and compartments padded adjustable strap to secure laptop and an additional zippered co…

Super Mario Wallet Card Holder Change Purse Red $17.70 ·Super Mario pattern on front ·Tri-fold design with magnetic closure ·Two compartments for bills ·Nine compartments for cards ·One compartment for your favorite photo ·Perfect for Super Mario fans…

Stunning Artificial Chinese Coin Money Tree $18.28 Bonsai, which translates to “potted plant”, originated in China and Japan, is the art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees by growing them in containers. This artificial bonsai is very realistic and carefree. A nice decorative plant for home.Dimensions: L9″ x H10″ x D4″…

Premium Chocolate Casino Poker Chips – Bag of 345 Pcs – $1,000,000 Denomination $99.99 This premium milk Chocolate Casino Chips come in $1,000,000 denominations and are made with 100% Belgian Chocolate. They are perfect for your Casino Party or Las Vegas Event!…

Premium Chocolate Casino Poker Chips – Bag of 345 Pcs – $100 Denomination $99.99 This special Dark Mint Chocolate Casino Chips come in $100 denominations and are made with 100% Belgian Chocolate. They are perfect for your Casino Party or Las Vegas event!…

Mellow World Camellia Flower Coin Wristlet Pretty flower wristlet for when you just need a little something. A detachable strap adds the option of hands free wear, so you can remain fashionable no matter what the day throws at you! Made from textured leatherette with silver-tone hardware. Detachable wristlet and zip top closure. Can be clipped onto a belt loop if desired. Interior key ring strap. Fully lined fabric compartment. BEFORE PURC…

Mellow World Women’s Cute Flower Zipper Coin Bag with Clip Attachable with Wallet or Purses Chic flower zipper coin bag with clip to attach to wallet or purse. Zipper closure on top. Drop length of handle is approx 6″. Comes with detachable wrist strap. Available in 11 colors: Red, Yellow, Purple, Black, Teal, Green, Raspberry, Beige, Grey, Camel, and Light Pink. Bag size: 5″x5″x1″….