The term refers to determining the gold purity, expressed in karats, of coinage issued by the French Republic. The karat value indicates the proportion of pure gold present in the coin relative to other metals. For example, a 24-karat item signifies pure gold, while a lower karat value indicates a gold alloy.
Understanding the gold content of these coins is crucial for numismatists, investors, and collectors. The karat value influences the coin’s intrinsic worth, historical significance, and collectibility. Gold content provides insight into the economic policies and metallurgical practices of the issuing era.