The French 20 Francs Ceres gold coin, issued between 1849 and 1851, is a significant numismatic piece from the early days of the French Second Republic. The coin features the image of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, symbolizing growth and prosperity for the nation after the tumultuous 1848 Revolution. Ceres is depicted wearing a wreath of wheat, a nod to the agricultural backbone of France and its rural citizens. This design was a departure from the royal portraits of previous currencies, reflecting the republic's democratic and secular ideals. The gold purity of the Ceres 20 Francs coin is 90% (21.6 karats), with an actual gold weight of 0.1867 troy ounces (5.805 grams). On the reverse, it traditionally bears the denomination surrounded by a wreath, often including the French motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). These coins are a testament to the Second Republic's brief existence and are highly sought after by collectors for their historical value and representation of France's revolutionary spirit.
