Obverse: The obverse shows the bare bust of Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte facing left. Around is the inscription LOUIS-NAPOLEON BONAPARTE, below – the engraver’s name BARRE. Designer – Jacques-Jean Barre.
Reverse: In the center of the reverse appears the denomination 5 FRANCS, below – the year of issue 1852 and the mintmark A. All enclosed within a laurel wreath. Around is the legend REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE. Engraver – Jacques-Jean Barre.
About the coin: The 5 franc silver coin was minted in 1852 during the French Second Republic, when power was held by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, later to become Emperor Napoleon III. Struck in .900 silver, it weighs 25 g and measures 37 mm in diameter. It circulated until 1928. Today, this coin is a valuable historical artifact and collectible rarity, marking the transition from the Republic to the Second Empire in France.
