The heart of this pendant is the increasingly rare French 20 Francs Rooster gold coin. This coin contains almost 1/5 of an ounce of pure gold. These coins were issued between 1899 and 1914. This particular coin is dated 1911. The front of the coin depicts the head of the Third Republic surrounded by the words "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE." The Third Republic was established after Napoleon III's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. This government remained in effect until World War II.



The obverse side depicts a proud, fully plumed rooster along with the denomination (20 Fcs), the date and the words "LIBERTE • EGALITE • FRATERNITE." This phrase, which translates to "Freedom, Equality, Fraternity," was popularized during the French Revolution against Louis XVI. Many of these gold coins were melted during the 1930's after private ownership of gold was outlawed in the U.S. Even more were melted in the 1970's and 1980's when gold soared to $850/ounce. Consequently, these coins are even more desirable today, as the supply has become depleted over the years.



The Rooster is a Gallic symbol of vigilance, confidence, pugnacity as well as of LIBERTY and INDEPENDENCE, that can be traced back to antiquity and even appears on the official state seal of modern France. The 20 Francs French Gold Coins called Roosters are internationally accepted and respected. Due to the benefits of these gold coins, which include true historical significance and high investor demand and scarcity, they are very popular among collectors and investors. So that is a bit of history for you on the coin.

The coin may not be as valuable to a true coin collector since it has been custom made into the spectacular pendant offered here. The coin is a symbol of Good Luck and it is believed that Good Luck was increased by mounting it inside this 14K gold horseshoe. The bezel, as well as the horseshoe itself are 14K gold. The stones are synthetic, lab grown rubies. We believe that this pendant was custom made by a European designer. The pendant measures 1.5 inches in diameter.

Oddly, the gold chain only tested at 10K gold. It does bear a 10K mark, as well as a sunburst within a circle and "60 TV." It's possible that this chain was added later and not the original chain with the pendant, but I am keeping them together. The chain is 20 inches. The pendant itself has no marks, aside from the coin itself.

So catch yourself a bit of French history here in a gorgeous, immaculate piece of fine vintage estate jewelry. This is a truly one of a kind piece of jewelry and would make a magnificent gift.

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