The Lucky Angel coin, also known as the French Gold Angel, is a gold coin that has long captured the imaginations of collectors and some believers in good fortune. Originally minted in the 18th century during the French Revolution, this coin is rich in historical significance, artistry, and, according to some, supernatural protection.
Historical Background of the Lucky Angel Coin
The Lucky Angel was first minted in 1792 at the order of King Louis XVI as part of the French Revolution’s recoinage efforts. The Lucky Angel was designed by Augustin Dupré, who was made Chief Engraver of Currency by the French National Assembly in 1791.
Dupré was reportedly inspired by a fascination with guardian angels. His design for the Lucky Angel featured an angel inscribing a document, widely accepted as the French Constitution, on the coin’s obverse, symbolizing the guiding hand of divine democracy. The reverse depicted a rooster, the national French emblem, representing hope for a new beginning in the French Republic.
The Lucky Angel that Saved the Designer
Unfortunately, Dupré fell out of favor with King Louis XVI, leading to Dupré’s arrest, after which he was sentenced to the guillotine. In a twist of fate, his life was allegedly spared by the very coin he designed. According to legend, he bribed a guard with a Lucky Angel coin, securing his release and cementing the coin’s reputation as a powerful symbol of protection. While Augustin Dupré’ died in 1833, his design was revived in the 1840s and re-issued in the 1870s through the early 1900s.
Symbolism and Legends of the Lucky Angel
Since its creation, tales of the Lucky Angel have been associated with numerous instances of luck and survival. Stories claim that French soldiers in the Franco-Prussian War carried the coin and attributed their survival to its protective powers. As accounts of the coin’s lucky reputation spread, some French captains allegedly refused to set sail without one in their pockets. Perhaps the most famous tale about the Lucky Angel coin surrounds Napoleon Bonaparte, who purportedly kept one on his person until he lost it before his fateful defeat at Waterloo.
Storied Legends of the Lucky Angel in the 20th Century
The belief in the coin’s protective powers endured well into the 20th century. French, British, and American pilots are said to have carried the coin as a talisman during World War I and into the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Even Hermann Goering, head of the German Luftwaffe in World War II, reputedly believed in the coin’s power, awarding it to his flying aces for every fifth Allied plane they shot down. The legacy of the Lucky Angel as a symbol of good fortune endures today, with some collectors who keep it as a charm for safety and prosperity.
Collecting Lucky Angel Coins
The Lucky Angel’s rich history and intricate design continue to make it popular among numismatists and investors. Few, if any, other coins from the Monnaie de Paris carry the breadth of legends as the Lucky Angel.
Collectors today can find various editions and denominations of the Lucky Angel coin. The 20 Francs variation with .1867 ounces of gold is particularly popular, though the larger 100 Francs edition offers an impressive alternative with just under one troy ounce of gold. Coins from early minting or specific historical events, like those linked to the French Revolution, carry a premium m and are highly sought after.
The Legacy of the Lucky Angel Coin
The Lucky Angel coin is a stand-out coin and a unique piece of French numismatic history that intertwines art, politics, and superstition. Its legacy perseveres through centuries of storytelling, with growing numbers of tales that reinforce its reputation as a lucky charm. Whether sought for investment, beauty, or luck, the Lucky Angel coin remains a cherished piece of history.
