NAPOLEON III FRENCH 1858 100 FRANCS A Mint
080-00462
The **1858-A French 100 Francs** is more than just currency; it is a shimmering artifact of the Second French Empire and a testament to the grand ambitions of **Napoleon III**. Struck at the legendary Paris Mint (denoted by the "A" mint mark), this coin represents the pinnacle of 19th-century French numismatics.
The Design: Imperial Elegance
The obverse features the "Bare Head" (*Tête Nue*) portrait of Napoleon III, designed by Jean-Jacques Barre. It captures the Emperor with a dignified, stoic expression, his signature mustache and goatee rendered in fine detail. The reverse is a masterclass in heraldry, displaying the Imperial coat of arms—a bold eagle centered on a mantle, topped by a crown.
At a hefty **32.26 grams** of 90% pure gold, holding this coin feels like holding a literal piece of the Empire’s treasury. It was the largest gold denomination of its time, intended to signal France's economic dominance to the rest of the world.
The Grade: AU58 (About Uncirculated)
A grade of **AU58** is often referred to by collectors as a "slider." This is a coin that possesses the eye appeal and "flash" of a Mint State piece but shows the slightest hint of friction on the highest points of the design—usually Napoleon’s cheekbone or the eagle's breast feathers.
**Luster:** You can expect a significant amount of original mint bloom.
**Surface:** While there may be minor "bag marks" from contact with other coins, the overall detail remains sharp and crisp.
**Value Proposition:** AU58 is the "sweet spot" for many collectors; it offers the aesthetic beauty of a high-grade specimen without the massive price premium commanded by a full MS (Mint State) grade.
In short, this 1858-A 100 Francs is a massive, historically significant gold coin that bridges the gap between bullion and high-end numismatic art. It is a centerpiece for any collection focused on European royalty or the history of the Napoleonic dynasty.
The Design: Imperial Elegance
The obverse features the "Bare Head" (*Tête Nue*) portrait of Napoleon III, designed by Jean-Jacques Barre. It captures the Emperor with a dignified, stoic expression, his signature mustache and goatee rendered in fine detail. The reverse is a masterclass in heraldry, displaying the Imperial coat of arms—a bold eagle centered on a mantle, topped by a crown.
At a hefty **32.26 grams** of 90% pure gold, holding this coin feels like holding a literal piece of the Empire’s treasury. It was the largest gold denomination of its time, intended to signal France's economic dominance to the rest of the world.
The Grade: AU58 (About Uncirculated)
A grade of **AU58** is often referred to by collectors as a "slider." This is a coin that possesses the eye appeal and "flash" of a Mint State piece but shows the slightest hint of friction on the highest points of the design—usually Napoleon’s cheekbone or the eagle's breast feathers.
**Luster:** You can expect a significant amount of original mint bloom.
**Surface:** While there may be minor "bag marks" from contact with other coins, the overall detail remains sharp and crisp.
**Value Proposition:** AU58 is the "sweet spot" for many collectors; it offers the aesthetic beauty of a high-grade specimen without the massive price premium commanded by a full MS (Mint State) grade.
In short, this 1858-A 100 Francs is a massive, historically significant gold coin that bridges the gap between bullion and high-end numismatic art. It is a centerpiece for any collection focused on European royalty or the history of the Napoleonic dynasty.
| Additional Information | |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY | FRENCH |
| DENOMINATION | 100 FRANCS |
| EdgeItemKey | 001-080-00462 |
| GRADE | AU 58 |
| Inventory Type | Stock |
| MINT MARK | A |
| stone info | [] |
| Vendor Style Code | 1858A FRENCH G100F |
| YEAR | 1858 |
