Obverse: the obverse of the coin depicts the legendary French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I). Around the bust of Napoleon Bonaparte are the words "BONAPARTE PREMIER CONSUL.", With the engraver "Pierre-Joseph Tiolier" signature at the bottom of the coin.
Reverse: the center of the coin features the inscription "40 FRANCS" surrounded by a laurel wreath and the words "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE." (Eng. French Republic). The year of the coin and the mint mark "AN XI .A.".
Edge: the inscription "* DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE" (eng. God protect the France).