2023 France Silver Uncirculated Coin Issue "Golds of France - Napoleon III"

• Mint: Monnaie de Paris
• Denomination: €20/€100
• Quality: UNC/UNC
• Issue limit: 75,000/10,000 pcs.
• Alloy: 90% Silver
• Diameter: 33/47 mm
• Weight: 16/45 g

Additional Information

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Every three years since 2008, Monnaie de Paris has revisited classic and revered designs that honor and feature the symbols and motifs of French numismatics. Previous issues have featured “the Sower,” “Hercules,” “the Rooster,” and “Marianne,” as well as “Symbols of Nature” designs.

2023 begins a series of three historical and emblematic coins that have greatly contributed to French numismatic heritage during the Imperial era. The first design highlights the coinage of France’s Second Empire and features the effigy of Emperor Napoleon III created by esteemed engraver Jean-Jacques Barre.

The effigy was seen on the obverse side of gold, silver, and bronze coinage released from 1861, continuing on from the initial effigy of Napoleon III, when he was first declared President of France in 1848. A likeness of the president, who was later proclaimed emperor, was introduced onto French coinage in 1852, thereafter his title was amended from “LOUIS – NAPOLEON BONAPARTE” to read “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR,” and was depicted with a bare head. From 1861, the laureate was included on his effigy and which was strongly inspired by that of his uncle Napoleon I, who himself cultivated his image on that of the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar.