Obverse: Depicts a left-facing portrait of Emperor Napoleon III wearing a laurel wreath. Around the portrait is the inscription NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR. Below the neck is the engraver’s signature Désiré-Albert Barre.
Reverse: The imperial coat of arms – an eagle holding a scepter and sword, surrounded by a royal mantle and crown. Around the design is the inscription EMPIRE FRANÇAIS. Below is the denomination 5 FRANCS and the year of minting.
About the coin: The coin was minted during the Second French Empire under Napoleon III. Made of 90% silver (Ag 900), it weighs 25.00 g. The pure silver content is 22.50 g. Diameter – 37 mm. The edge bears the inscription DIEU PROTÈGE LA FRANCE. Minted in various French mints, most commonly in Paris (mintmark A). A historically significant and collector-valued coin.
