France Napoleon III 1868-BB 10 Francs Gold Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold (typical French 19th-century rose-tinted yellow due to copper-heavy alloy).
Purity: 21.6K (900/1000 fineness); Contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
21.6K (900/1000 fineness); Contains 90% pure gold and 10% copper alloy for durability.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (typical French 19th-century rose-tinted yellow due to copper-heavy alloy).
Weight
3.2258 grams (approx. 0.0933 troy oz of pure gold content).
Description
A historic 1868 10 Franc gold coin issued during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. The reverse features the denomination and date centered within a detailed laurel wreath, surrounded by the 'EMPIRE FRANÇAIS' text. This 'Laureate Head' type represents the height of the Second Empire's economic power and the expansion of the Latin Monetary Union.
Key Features
BB mint mark (Strasbourg), 1868 date, laurel wreath reverse design, and high-relief typography.
Color & Finish
Deep lustrous yellow with orange/reddish undertones (patina); Circulated finish with natural surface bag marks and light toning.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraved '10 FRANCS 1868' on reverse; 'EMPIRE FRANÇAIS' peripheral legend; 'BB' mint mark indicating Strasbourg Mint; Bee and Anchor privy marks.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of 19.0 mm; Thickness of 0.8 mm (Standard French 10 Franc specification).
Gemstones & Inlays
None (standard minted coinage); Reverse features a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded (milled) edge for security against shaving or clipping gold from the perimeter.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; Solid strike coin with a raised protective rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck via steam-powered presses; excellent die alignment; crisp laurel leaf details and high-relief '10 FRANCS' lettering.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive 19th-century French font styles; precise reeded edge; characteristic color of 90% French gold; 'BB' mint mark alignment.
Origin & Maker
Strasbourg Mint (BB mark), France; Designed by Jean-Jacques Barre (indicated by 'BARRE' on obverse).
Era & Period
Second French Empire (1852–1870) under Napoleon III; High Neoclassical influence.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1868; 155+ years old.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the Latin Monetary Union, an early attempt at a single European currency system based on fixed gold and silver ratios.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (XF) circulated condition; visible peripheral wear, light scratches consistent with age, clear legends and dates.
Value Estimate
Primarily valued by gold spot price (~$200-$230 melt) plus a 15-30% numismatic premium depending on specific grade and rarity of the 'BB' mint mark.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish; store in a PVC-free archival coin flip or capsule to preserve atmospheric toning and prevent scratches.
Similar Items
20 Francs Gold Napoleon (double weight), Swiss 10 Francs Vreneli, or Austrian 4 Florin/10 Francs restrikes.
Interesting Facts
The 10 Francs coin was often called a 'Demi-Napoleon.' Napoleon III was the first President of France and later the last monarch.