Numismatic

1857-A France Gold 50 Francs Napoleon III MS-62 NGC

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Struck in the heart of France at the Paris Mint, this 1857 gold coin represents a fascinating era of French coinage. With a denomination of 50 Francs, the piece is composed of 0.900 fine gold, containing 0.4667 troy ounces of precious metal. It belongs to a series minted between 1852 and 1860, capturing the evolving portraiture of the nation's leadership during the mid nineteenth century. The obverse features a detailed, bare-headed portrait of Emperor Napoleon III, facing right. On the reverse, the design showcases the official French imperial coat of arms. This central heraldic emblem is surrounded by clear inscriptions, including the words "Empire Français", the denomination "50 FR", and the mint year of 1857. The letter "A" serves as the historic mint mark, confirming its origin from the Paris facility. This particular specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition, certified by a major grading service as Mint State 62 (MS-62). Its preserved details offer a vivid window into the artistry and craftsmanship of French numismatic history.