> The 40 francs Napoléon gold coin contains 11.61 g of fine gold (12.90 g at 900‰) — double the 20 francs. Less common than the 20 francs, it can carry a sli *Source : https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/40-francs-napoleon-gold-coin/* --- ● Guide # 40 francs Napoléon gold coin: value and buy-back Published on **26/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel** In brief **The 40 francs Napoléon gold coin contains 11.61 g of fine gold (12.90 g at 900‰) — double the 20 francs.** Less common than the 20 francs, it can carry a slightly higher premium. Here's how to identify it, estimate its value and sell it at the right price. ## What the 40 francs gold coin is Struck mainly under the **Consulate, First Empire and Restoration**, the 40 francs gold coin weighs **12.90 g** at **900‰** fineness, i.e. **11.61 g of fine gold**, 26 mm diameter. It contains exactly double the gold of the 20 francs. ## How to estimate its value Its **intrinsic value** is calculated as: 11.61 g × the day's gold rate. On top comes a **premium** often slightly higher than the 20 francs, as the 40 francs is scarcer and sought by collectors. To read the rate, see [understanding the gold rate](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/how-to-read-gold-spot-price-before-selling/). ## Selling it at the right price Compare several **buy-back rates** (see [how to compare](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/gold-buyback-rate-how-to-compare/)). On a scarcer coin, condition and year matter more: don't clean it and have it appraised if the year is sought after. See also [investment gold coins](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/gold-bullion-coins-investment-france/). ## 40 or 20 francs to invest? By weight they're equal (the 40 francs = two 20 francs). The 20 francs stays more **liquid** (easier to sell singly); the 40 francs, less common, may offer a small premium but a narrower market. Compare with the [20 francs Napoléon](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/napoleon-20-franc-gold-coin-value/). ## Frequently asked questions What is a 40 francs gold coin worth? It rests on its 11.61 g of fine gold (intrinsic value = 11.61 g × the day's rate), plus a premium often slightly higher than the 20 francs, as the coin is scarcer. Compare several buy-back rates. How much gold is in a 40 francs coin? It weighs 12.90 g at 900‰ fineness, i.e. 11.61 g of fine gold — exactly double the 20 francs gold coin. Is 20 or 40 francs gold better? By weight it's equivalent. The 20 francs is more liquid and easy to sell singly; the 40 francs, scarcer, may carry a small premium but a narrower market. ## Read also [ Guide 20 francs gold Rooster (Marianne): value and buy-back ](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/20-francs-rooster-gold-coin/)[ Guide 50 francs Hercule silver: value and buy-back ](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/50-francs-hercule-silver-coin/)[ Guide Selling a 50 Pesos Gold Coin (Centenario) in France ](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/guides/50-pesos-gold-coin-centenario/) ## Sell at the best price near you Compare the gold buyers in your city. [See the rankings](https://meilleur-rachat-or.fr/en/gold-buyback/)