50 Francs Napoleon III. Gold Coin | 1857 | France
50 Francs Napoleon III gold coins were minted from 1855 to 1868. The largest minting year was the 1857 edition, which we profile here.
Napoleon III was born as Charles Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. He ruled France as Emperor Napoleon III from 1852-1870 and was President of France from 1848-1852 under the name Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte.
Design
The front side of the coin depicts a right side portrait of Napoleon III with a bare head. The inscription around the outer edge reads “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR”. Below the portrait is the word “BARRE”, which stands for engraver Jean-Jacques Barre.
The reverse side depicts the French coat of arms. The engravings around the top outer edge read “EMPIRE FRANCAIS”. On either side of the coat of arms is the nominal value engraved as “20” and “FR”. The date of issue “1857” is embossed on the bottom of the coin. The 1857 edition was produced at the Paris Mint.
Product Details
Manufacturer: Paris Mint
Country of origin: France
Fineness: 900/1000
Weight: 16.129 g
Gold Content: .4667 oz
Diameter: 28 mm
Denomination: 50 Francs
Mintage Year: 1857
Scratch resistance: Good
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Manufacturer | Monnaie de Paris |
| Purity | 900/1000 |
| Fineweight | 14.52 gram |
| Gross Weight | 16.129 gram |
| Year of issue | 1857 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 50 francs |
| Thickness | 1.77 mm |
| Diameter | 28.00 mm |
| Mintage | 320000 |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |