40 French Francs Charles X | 1824-1830

40 Francs, Charles X

Twice the weight of a Napoleon: 12.90322 g gross, 900 fine, 11.613 g of pure gold, 26 mm across.

Struck for only six years, from 1824 to 1830, and in modest numbers — roughly half a million pieces in total, against nearly thirteen million for the 20 Franc of Louis XVIII alone. Sources put the figure between about 480,000 and 510,000; we have not found one that settles it exactly.

Specifications

Obverse and reverse

The obverse shows the head of Charles X facing right with CHARLES X ROI DE FRANCE, signed MICHAUT.

The reverse carries the crowned arms of France with the value 40 F in a wreath. The edge is lettered DOMINE SALVUM FAC REGEM.

A coin where the date changes everything

Most of the mintage came from a handful of Paris dates. Several others are rarities: the 1826 A and 1827 A run to a few dozen pieces each and the 1830 MA to about a thousand. A coin like that is worth many multiples of its gold, so we check the date and mintmark on every piece rather than treating the type as uniform bullion.

Exactly 900, and why that matters

HMRC’s test for investment gold is a fineness of not less than 900 thousandths. This coin is exactly 900. It clears the threshold, but with nothing to spare — a coin a shade below that line would attract VAT as a collectable rather than being treated as investment gold.

VAT and UK capital gains tax

HMRC treats a coin minted after 1800 as investment gold if it is at least 900 thousandths fine, is or has been legal tender in its country of origin, and normally sells at no more than 180 per cent of the open market value of its gold (VAT Notice 701/21A). The 40 Francs is 900 fine, was French legal tender and is sold on the gold price, so it meets all three tests.

Capital gains tax is a separate matter. The UK exemption follows sterling legal tender, so it covers Sovereigns and Britannias but not a French coin. This is a statement of the published rule, not tax advice — your own position depends on your circumstances.

Questions buyers ask

How much gold does it contain? 11.613 g of pure gold, twice that of a 20 Franc.

Is it a bullion coin? It is bought partly for the gold and partly as a historic coin. Scarce dates trade well above melt.

Which date will I receive? A mixed date from the 1824 to 1830 range, as available.

Is it exempt from UK capital gains tax? No. That exemption follows sterling legal tender.

Authenticity checked at GoldInvest24 before dispatch. Other sizes are on the historic gold coins page. Live quotes on the precious metals prices page.