France: Historic portrait of Napoleon III features on new face value gold and silver collector coins

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The Monnaie de Paris has released the latest design in the ongoing series of collector coins produced in gold and silver and available at face value. Since 2008, Monnaie de Paris has embarked on an ambitious project initiated every three years to honour and feature the symbols and motifs of French numismatics by revisiting the classic and revered designs through the release of contemporary euro coinage. After “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.

Napoleon III’s Second Empire was however short-lived when it came to an end with the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. As the French army surrendered, Napoleon III was forced to abdicate by a new provisional government that negotiated a treaty of peace with the newly formed German Empire, born out of the victory with France. The French Third Republic remained in place until 1940, collapsing with the Fall of France during World War II.

The gold and silver coins include the recreated effigy designed by Barre, which is placed on the left side. Next to Napoleon III’s likeness is as a replica image of the Napoleonic coat of arms initially featured on the reverse of imperial silver coins and, from 1861, gold coinage. Along the right half edge is the text LIBERTÉ EGALITÉ and FRATERNITÉ, the official motto of the French Republic. Just to the lower right of the emperor’s likeness is the year of issue, 2023.

The reverse side highlights the three eras to which the inspirations of this trilogy belong. Set in a hexagon, these three graphic friezes comprise patterns of imperial eagles, fleur de lis, and Jerusalem crosses — referencing Napoleon I’s titular claim as King of Jerusalem. They are arranged side by side to interpret the French flag in its heraldic form. The face value, the initials RF, and the Monnaie de Paris’ mint marks complete the composition.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage Limit
20 euro	.900 Silver	16 g	33 mm	Uncirculated	75,000
20 euro	.900 Silver	16 g	33 mm	Proof	3,000
100 euro	.900 Silver	45 g	47 mm	Brilliant Unc.	10,000
250 euro	.9999 Gold	2.5 g	18 mm	Brilliant Unc.	15,000

The coins are offered for their face value of 20, 100, and 250 euros, which are encapsulated and presented in a folder-type case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. This new series entitled “Ors de France” concludes in 2025. For more information, please click here for the gold coins or here for the silver coins.

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