The 1852 to 1860 Napoleon III 20 Franc was a widely circulated gold coin during the emperor’s reign. It was used daily by French citizens and in fact was so successful that other nations in Europe begin to emulate it.

Origins of the 1852 to 1860 Napoleon III 20 Francs Gold Coin

Napoleon III was the nephew of Napoleon I and is considered the final monarch to rule France.  Although his involvement in the Franco Prussian War is largely seen by historians as being a disaster, he has also been given credit for modernizing France’s economic system, oversaw the rebuilding of Paris with lots of new parks and boulevards, and overseas imperial expansion for the French empire.

His was initially elected as the Second Republic President during 1848, but would forcefully seize power by 1851, which was the result of not being constitutionally reelected. He is considered the founder of the Second Empire and would continue his reign until being defeated and captured by the Prussians during the Battle of Sedan, which occurred in 1870.

Aside from rebuilding the nation’s economy and expanding its empire overseas, he also played a key role in consolidating the French railway system while also modernizing French banking. He was interested in Suez Canal construction and implemented modern agriculture that ended the famines which had been so problematic for France. This would eventually allow the nation to become a food exporter.

Napoleon III was also determined to spread French influence throughout Europe. To this end, he formed an alliance with the British which culminated in the defeat of Russia during their Crimean War, and he also helped in the unification of Italy through the Austrian Empire’s defeat as well as the annexation of Nice and Savoy via the Treaty of Turin.

Features and Highlights

Many of the 20 Francs still in existence are in a condition that is Almost Uncirculated. This means they display moderate to full luster, and any traces of friction or wear are light. When shipped most of these coins will be contained within a protective flip.

On the coin’s obverse side one can see Napoleon III’s effigy. However, it should be noted that there are two right profile image versions of the emperor. The coins which were struck between 1853 and 1860 display a younger version of Napoleon without a laurel wreath. By contrast, the coins which were struck from 1861 to 1870 display a more mature Napoleon III who wears the laurel wreath that the coin displays.

The coin’s reverse side also displays two different designs. The first is on coins minted between 1853 and 1860, which showcases a basic design with a centrally located denomination and wreath. The second version is on coins struck between 1861 and 1870, where the French Imperial Coat of Arms can be seen.

Each of these coins has .1867 troy ounces worth of gold. They display a 20 Franc face value and the portrait of Napoleon III is always on the coin’s obverse side. The reverse will either display the Imperial Arms or the laurel wreath.