1866-BB France 50 Francs Gold Coin, Napoleon III (Laureate Head)
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold (Classic French coinage alloy with high copper content for durability).
Purity: 21.6K (900/1000 fineness). Contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (900/1000 fineness). Contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Classic French coinage alloy with high copper content for durability).
Weight
16.13 grams (standard weight). The scale in the image shows 16.16g, which is within an acceptable margin of error.
Description
A prestigious 50 Francs gold coin from the Second French Empire, representing a significant piece of 19th-century European monetary history. This 'BB' Strasbourg strike is scarcer than Paris (A) counterparts and features the ornate Imperial coat of arms supported by an eagle and draped in mantle.
Key Features
Laureate head portrait of Napoléon III; 'BB' Strasbourg mint mark; 16.129g total weight; complex Imperial heraldry on the reverse.
Color & Finish
Deep lustrous yellow with subtle orange/reddish undertones (typical of high-purity vintage gold). Features a satin luster with light surface circulation wear.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse shows 'NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR'; Reverse displays 'EMPIRE FRANCAIS', '50 FR', year '1866', and mint mark 'BB' (Strasbourg).
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 28 mm; Thickness: ~1.8 mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The coin relies on intricate die-struck relief work featuring the Imperial coat of arms.
Clasp & Closure
None. Edge is reeded (milled) with lettering: 'DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE'.
Chain & Links
N/A. The coin edge is reeded to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the gold metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with heavy pressure dies; features highly detailed relief including the crown's jewels and the eagle's feathers; reeded edge executed with high precision.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (16.16g) is nearly identical to the mint spec (16.13g); crispness of the 'BB' mint mark and '1866' date; correct color-tone for late 19th-century French gold.
Origin & Maker
Strasbourg Mint, France (denoted by the 'BB' mint mark). Chief Engraver: Jean-Jacques Barre.
Era & Period
Second French Empire (1852–1870), specifically the 'Laureate Head' period which reflects Napoléon III's height of power.
Age Estimate
Struck in 1866; currently 158 years old.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the economic expansion of the Second Empire and the standardization of gold under the Latin Monetary Union.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (VF/XF). Visible high-point wear on the coat of arms; minor bag marks and abrasions consistent with 16.16g reading. No signs of jewelry mount damage.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $950 - $1,150 USD based on current gold spot ($2,000+) plus a 5-15% numismatic premium for the 'BB' mint mark.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free airtight capsule or archival flip to prevent scratching.
Similar Items
1866-A (Paris Mint) version; contemporary British Sovereigns; Swiss 20 Vreneli; other denominations like the 10 or 100 Francs.
Interesting Facts
The 50 Francs was a high-denomination coin, less common than the legendary 20 Francs 'Napoléon'. In 1866, only 462,000 of these were minted in Strasbourg.