Description
Goldline is pleased to present French 20 Franc
Napoleon III gold coins. This coin carried three different designs
during its production run from 1852-1870, which are described below.
Design
Version IThe obverse of the coin features
a bust portrait of Napoleon. The reverse shows the value of the coin
(20 Francs) and the date (1852) surrounded by wreaths.
Version II
This second Napoleon III French 20 Franc is
very similar to the first, but there are two main differences. The name
of the ruler written on this obverse says 'NAPOLEON III' along with the
title 'EMPEREUR'. On the previous issue, his whole name is written out
as 'LOUIS-NAPOLEON BONAPARTE' with no title. The main difference on the
reverse is that the nation is referred to as 'EMPIRE FRANCAIS' instead
of 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE'. This version is depicted above.
Version III
The third Napoleon III design
emerged in 1861. Featuring a coat of arms and a wreath-wearing Napoleon
III, this production ran until his ouster in 1870.
Minting Information
France has produced 20 Franc gold coins
since Napoleon I's reign as First Consul. The earliest such coins were
dated ANXI, AN12, AN13, and AN14. When the design was changed in 1806,
the coin began showing the date in Arabic Numerals. Napoleon III French
20 Francs were minted between 1852 and 1870.
Napoleon III
Unlike his more famous uncle, Louis Napoleon
Bonaparte (later Napoleon III), came to power by election when the
Revolution of 1848 brought down Louis Philippe of Orleans. Napoleon III
was elected president of the newly formed Second Republic that year.
Four years later, he was proclaimed emperor. His regime was noted for
its prosperity and stability, albeit under an autocracy. France's
defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 led to Napoleon III's defeat
and the establishment of the Third Republic.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Gross Weight: 6.4516g |
Gold Content: 0.1867 oz. |
| Composition: 90% gold |
| Diameter: 21mm |
| Dates: 1852 (Version I); 1853-60 (Version II); 1861-70 (Version III) |
| Mints: Paris (Version I), Lyon, Paris, Strasbourg (Version II); Paris, Strasbourg (Version III) |
