Gold Marengo

The Gold Marengo, a form of gold coin investment that tells our story

When you start investing in gold coins, when you are generally interested in investment coins, there are two coins that are important reference points: the Gold Pound and the Marengo. The Gold Marengo is a coin that is no longer produced by European mints and therefore, unlike the Gold Pound Bullion, also has numismatic value.

The Characteristics of the Gold Marenghi for Investment

Gold Marenghi were produced from 1801 to around 1914 with a purity of 900/1000 and a gold content of around 5.8 grams. The nominal value is 20 Italian lira, 20 French or Swiss francs, 20 crowns, etc., depending on the origin (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, Austria Hungary, ...). Although it was produced in several European countries, the diameter was set at 21 mm and the thickness 1.3 mm. The coins have a different obverse and reverse in the different countries.

The History of the Golden Marengo

The Battle of Marengo (a Piedmontese locality a few kilometres from Alessandria) is a pivotal moment that marked a turning point in European history in the early 19th century. Thanks to Napoleon Bonaparte's victory in the Italian campaign, he was able to consolidate his power over a large part of the Alps.

Until 1815 it was minted with the effigy of Napoleon Bonaparte, first consul of the Subalpine Republic and later as Emperor of the French. After Napoleon's death and throughout the 19th century, the production of these gold coins from different countries continued under the name 'Marengo'. In fact, the name 'Marengo' became commonplace and was used to refer to all coins produced in France during the 19th century.

The Latin Monetary Union, a form of single currency that closely resembles today's, came into being in 1865 and involved France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Greece and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. All gold coins from these countries and characterised by the same nominal value, the same weight, the same title, the same size and the same ratio of gold to silver in the alloy (set at 15.5), effectively kept the same name. This facilitated the circulation of coins and trade between the different countries.

Today, the name 'Marengo' denotes the 20 French, Swiss or Belgian Francs, the 20 Italian Lira and the 20 Austrian Crowns produced from the early 19th century to the early 20th century.

With the end of the Monetary Union in 1927, the Marengo remained an investment coin due to its high gold content, but also an extraordinary collector's item for numismatic enthusiasts.

The Swiss Gold Marengo

The Swiss Marengo was minted between 1871 and 1949. Although the 20-franc denomination is the most widespread, 10- and 100-franc coins can also be found that meet the same parameters of purity and gold/silver ratio.

The specimens minted in the year 1871 and between the years 1883 and 1896 are considered collector coins due to their rarity. Of particular interest is the so-called 'Libertas' coin minted by the Swiss mint when the country belonged to the Latin Monetary Institution. On the obverse of the coin is the bust of Liberty and the diadem bears the legend 'LIBERTAS'. In the background is the legend 'Confœderatio Helvetica'.

On the reverse of the coin, on the other hand, there is the Swiss state coat of arms surmounted by a star, the date below the coat of arms, all surrounded by an olive and oak wreath.

Some of these coins were produced with the so-called 'Gondogold', i.e. the Gondo gold that was extracted from the mine of the same name in the canton of Valais, which fell into disuse in 1897 after having been used for many centuries.

The Vreneli coin, minted between 1897 and 1949, also after the dissolution of the Monetary Union, shows a bust of a woman (Vreneli or Verena, personification of Switzerland) on the obverse, with a bridal hairstyle, lapel decorated with edelweiss (edelweiss) and Swiss mountains in the background. At the top is the inscription 'Helvetia', and at the bottom is the signature of the engraver F. Landry.

On the reverse, on the other hand, is the Swiss coat of arms set on an oak branch and surrounded by the legend 20 Fr. At the bottom are the date and mintmark.

The Italian Gold Marengo

The minting of the Italian gold Marengo began in 1861, following the unification of Italy, and took on the name Marengo, with the denomination 20 lire, following Italy's accession to the Latin Monetary Union in 1865. There are four most important Italian marenghi.

Vittorio Emanuele II - This coin can have 3 different mint marks as it was minted in Rome (R), Turin (T) and Milan (M).

Umberto I - after 1878. All these coins show the mint mark 'R' as they were all minted in Rome.

Vittorio Emanuele III - after 1902 and considered one of the rarest by collectors. As for the previous type all these coins have the mint mark 'R' as they were all minted in Rome.

Vittorio Emanuele III (Aratrice and Fascietto) - Despite possessing legal value, this coin was never in circulation but was minted exclusively for collectors who bought it at the price of 80 lire (four times its face value).

The French Gold Marengo

The French Marengo was the first to be minted in 1801. The rarest types are the first ones depicting Napoleon Bonaparte, first consul and then emperor. The French Marengo is the benchmark for all Marengos in the Monetary Union.

The Belgian Gold Marengo

Belgium started minting gold coins that could be considered investment coins from 1834, during the reign of Leopold I. The obverse of these coins presents the sovereign's face turned to the right, while the edge bears the legend 'Leopold Premier' on the left and 'Roi des Belges' on the right.

The reverse shows the value of the coin (20 Francs) and the year surrounded by a crown of oak leaves. On the coins minted under the reign of Leopold II, on the other hand, we find the leonine effigy of the royal crown, on the upper edge there is the circular inscription "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE" while on the lower edge there is the value of the coin (20 FR.)

Why buy a gold Marengo?

Gold Marengos have characteristics that make them valuable to enthusiasts and extremely attractive to gold investors.

• They are investment gold coins and as such, in addition to being VAT-free, they are a smart way to shelter your savings in a safe haven asset
• They have a pure gold content of 900/1000, or 22 carats
• Gold Marenghi, which are no longer in production, are also interesting and valuable collectors' items for enthusiasts.
• Gold Marenghi are particularly interesting coins from a historical point of view and make a perfect gift for important events and ceremonies.
• Shipping is secure, confidential and insured.

Gifting a gold coin: the Marengo as a long-term investment

Gifting a gold coin is a rapidly growing trend. In addition to being a very precious gift precious gift, it represents a form of investment in the future. The gold coin not only retains its value in terms of the price of physical gold, but also represents a de facto cash reserve to be used in case of need.

Also not to be underestimated is the convenience of buying the coin, which is exempt from VAT as it is investment gold.

Of all the historical gold coins, from the Gold Pounds to the Krugerrands, from collections such as the Queen's Beasts to the Australian Lunar series, gold Marenghi remain a safe investment with a truly important story to tell and pass on.

How to resell your Gold Marengos

You can disinvest your Gold Marenghi at any time. Orovilla buys investment gold coins: all common gold coins, coin collections, and rare and collector gold coins.

At the time of purchase we appraise the coins, check them carefully for gold content, authenticity and condition.

The possibility of selling physical gold in any form and state of preservation, at any time and place, is its advantage over other forms of investment.