How to Identify the French 100 Francs Gold (Angel/Genius)

What It Is

The 100 francs gold coin featuring the "Genius" (Génie) design was struck by the French Third Republic starting in the late 1870s, using a design created decades earlier by engraver Augustin Dupré for earlier French coinage and revived for this larger gold denomination. Collectors often refer to the standing winged figure informally as an "angel," though it officially represents the Genius of France.

Obverse Design

The obverse shows a winged genius figure inscribing the word "CONSTITUTION" on a tablet, seated or standing beside symbols of the French Republic, with "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE" arcing above and the date typically shown at the bottom near the designer's initials.

Reverse Design

The reverse displays the denomination "100 FRANCS" within a wreath of oak and laurel branches tied with a ribbon, along with the motto "LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE" around the rim.

Size, Weight, and Metal

This is a large gold coin, approximately 35 mm in diameter and weighing about 32.26 grams, struck in .900 fine gold, containing roughly 0.9334 troy ounces of pure gold. The edge is lettered with the French motto in raised or incuse lettering.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

Look near the date on the obverse for a small mint mark (a horn-shaped cornucopia and torch symbol used by the Paris mint) along with the engraver's initials, small details that help confirm genuine Paris Mint production.

Telling It Apart from Similar Coins

This design is sometimes confused with the smaller, far more common 20 francs gold "Rooster" or "Angel" coins of the same general Republican era, which share stylistic similarities but are considerably smaller and lighter. Comparing diameter and weight, along with checking the exact denomination text, avoids misidentification.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Check the fine details of the genius figure's wings, drapery folds, and the lettering on the constitution tablet, along with the wreath leaves on the reverse. Crisp, well-defined details throughout suggest minimal circulation, while smoothed drapery folds and worn lettering indicate a heavily circulated example.

Authenticity Red Flags

Verify weight and diameter carefully against official specifications, confirm the edge lettering is correctly formed and positioned, and look for a sharp, well-centered strike. Soft, mushy details, incorrect coloring, or an improperly formed edge inscription are warning signs of a counterfeit, since this design's aesthetic appeal has made it a target for reproductions.