French Franc

On February 18, 2002, after a reign of over 600 years as the primary currency of France, the franc was deposed in favor of the European euro coin. Many French citizens lamented the end of the gold royal coin which was originally minted as ransom for King Jean le Bon in 1360. The English King Edward III who had captured Jean had released him in order to allow the French king to raise the money. Unfortunately, Jean didn't raise quite enough of the stated amount. He was returned to England and died in an English prison.

After a rocky start, the franc gained in prominence and eventually became a recognized currency. Later, wars and market fluctuations caused more embarrassment for the franc. Still, the French valued its longevity, and many were very sorry to see its end as legal tender when the euro took over.

Buying French Francs Online

Today, collectors can purchase French francs on the Internet. Many of them have become have become popular sellers because of their historical interest, their beauty, and their attractive prices. One of the most interesting francs is the 20 Franc rooster. This coin actually has a rooster on one side.

Minted only from 1901 to 1914, these coins are currently valued at around $115 each. Each coin contains .1867 troy ounces of pure gold, making the selling price plus a small premium a good buy for the gold weight alone. The coins were legal tender in France before World War I, but today, they are private and non-reportable. Since they are gold, you can buy and sell them online virtually 24 hours a day. Be sure to check out several websites to find the best rates.