Obverse: the French Emperor Charles Louise Napaleon III with Laurel is depicted on the coin, surrounded by the Latin legend "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR". The bottom of the coin is the engraver's signature "BARRE".
Reverse: heraldic shield and in the middle of it the Eagle and surrounded about it the Latin legend "EMPIRE FRANÇAIS" in both side denomination of the coin "50 FR". At the bottom is minted the year of the coin and the mintmark. The bottom of the coin mint sign.
Edge: the inscription "DIEU PROTÉGE LA FRANCE" (eng. God protect France).