Description
The 20 French Francs gold coin, often known as the “Napoleon III Laureate Head,” was minted during the Second French Empire from 1852 to 1870. One side of the coin features a portrait of Napoleon III wearing a laurel wreath, while the other side displays the imperial coat of arms, the coin’s value, and the year it was minted. Although these coins are sometimes referred to as “Napoleons” due to their connection with Napoleon Bonaparte, this particular coin specifically depicts Napoleon III.
The “A” mint mark on the 20 French Francs coins generally indicates that the coin was minted in Paris, while the “BB” mint mark signifies that it was minted in Strasbourg. For collectors, coins marked with the “BB” mint mark are often more desirable and potentially more valuable than those marked with the “A” mint mark. This is because the Strasbourg mint was a subsidiary of the Paris mint, and thus, the mintage in Strasbourg was typically smaller.
The obverse of the coin showcases the head of Emperor Napoleon III, facing right, while the reverse features the coat of arms of France. This 20 French Francs coin has a gold purity of 90% and weighs 6.45 grams.
