Numismatic

1854-1860 France Gold 10 Francs Napoleon III Avg Circ

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During the mid-nineteenth century, France issued these gold 10 Francs coins, which circulated widely during a transformative era of French history. Struck between 1854 and 1860, each coin contains 0.0933 troy ounces of pure gold within its 90 percent gold composition. These pieces survive today in average circulated condition, bearing the soft wear of the merchants and citizens who once exchanged them. The obverse of the coin displays a profile bust of Emperor Napoleon III, facing right, accompanied by his name. The reverse of these issues varies, presenting either a simple wreath enclosing the denomination and date of issue, or the detailed French imperial coat of arms. The inscriptions include the face value of 10 Francs alongside the year of mintage, such as 1857, and the name of the engraver, Barre. Minted at several different facilities across France, these coins offer a tangible connection to the monetary system of the Second French Empire.