France Gold 20 Francs Napoleon III (1852-1860) Avg Circ

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During the middle of the nineteenth century, France issued these gold 20 Francs coins, which served as a primary medium of exchange. Struck between the years 1852 and 1860, each piece contains 0.1867 troy ounces of gold with a purity of 0.900. These specimens survive in average circulated condition, showing the honest wear of historical commerce. The obverse of the coin displays a profile bust of Napoleon III, who ruled France from 1852 to 1870. This portrait was executed by the artist Jean Jacques Barre. On the reverse, depending on the specific year of issue, the design features either the denomination and date enclosed within a delicate wreath, or the official French coat of arms surrounded by a circular legend. Struck across several different French minting facilities, these coins represent a fascinating era of French monetary history.