{"product_id":"napoleon-iii-french-1858-100-francs-a-mint","title":"NAPOLEON III FRENCH 1858 100 FRANCS A Mint","description":"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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Design: Imperial Elegance\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Grade: AU58 (About Uncirculated)\u003cbr\u003eA 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e **Luster:** You can expect a significant amount of original mint bloom.\u003cbr\u003e **Surface:** While there may be minor \"bag marks\" from contact with other coins, the overall detail remains sharp and crisp.\u003cbr\u003e **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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.","brand":"ANDRE ART","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45074796150984,"sku":"080-00462","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0661\/9902\/7912\/files\/fff0f5bf93b3dbeae4c97391db6755d8.jpg?v=1777818123","url":"https:\/\/oceancityjewelers.com\/products\/napoleon-iii-french-1858-100-francs-a-mint","provider":"Ocean City Jewelers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}