The term French Gold Coin refers to three coins that were used in France: the NAPOLEON, the Ecu, and the Louisdor. The NAPOLEON was an 8-letter gold coin issued by NAPOLEON I in 1803 and was the first French coin to feature the emperor's portrait. The Ecu was a 3-letter gold coin that was used in France from the Middle Ages until the French Revolution. The Louisdor was an 8-letter gold coin issued by Louis XIV in 1640 and was the first French coin to feature the king's portrait.