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The lucky legend of the "Guardian Angel" began during the Reign of Terror in the mid-1790's, when Dupré, the coin designer, was about to be executed on the guillotine. He rubbed his Lucky Gold Angel for luck as he said a quick prayer and was saved by a nearby lightning strike that panicked the watchful crowd. DuprDupré's execution was halted and six months later he was freed. French pilots in World War I rarely took flight without a gold Angel coin.

Of all the classic European gold coins, the French 20 Franc "Angels" dated pre-1933 in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition are beautiful and historic with a fascinating legend behind them.

The obverse of the coin depicts the guardian angel Genius as she inscribes the French Constitution upon a tablet next to a pillar and a rooster. The words 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' are above the angel.

The reverse shows the denomination '20 FRANCS' and date centered and encircled by a wreath. The words 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' arc around the coin appear between the wreath and the rim.