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French Gold 20 Franc, XF
Ceres design (Minted 1849-1851)

French Gold 20 Francs, Ceres Obverse

French Gold 20 Francs, Ceres Reverse

These fascinating and historically important French 20 francs gold coins, hand-selected in Extra Fine (XF) condition, were minted for just three years (1849-1851) during the short-lived Second Republic of France.

Featuring the image of Ceres, Roman goddess of agriculture and grain, they make a unique and lovely addition to any world gold collection.

The power of a mother’s love
Linked directly to agricultural cycles, the worship of Ceres was based on the story of the abduction of her daughter, Proserpina, by Pluto to his underworld realm. Ceres' brother Jupiter, king of the gods, intervened and Proserpina was released. During her captivity, however, she'd eaten Pluto's food, which meant she was required to revisit the underworld for a portion of each year or die. Cere's sadness during her daughter's annual return to Pluto creates the season of winter, according to Roman myth.

From the name Ceres is derived the word cereal. She is frequently depicted carrying a wheat sheaf, torch, poppy capsules, and a sacrificial bowl. Often veiled because she morns her daughter, Ceres has become a fitting emblem of the power of a mother's love.

Cosmic justice
An asteroid named after Ceres was recently promoted to the classification of "dwarf planet." In what might be called an act of cosmic poetic justice, Pluto was simultaneously demoted from full planetary status to the same “dwarf planet” classification.

  

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French Gold 20 Francs, Ceres
Extra Fine (XF) Condition

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Design Specifications:
Minted     1849-1851
Gold content     0.1867 oz.
Size     21 mm diameter