France 100 Francs Napoleon III

The 100 Francs Napoleon III Gold Coin is a notable piece of French numismatic history, minted during the reign of Napoleon III from 1855 to 1870. These coins were struck in gold and are highly valued by collectors and investors for their historical significance and gold content.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): Features the portrait of Napoleon III, facing right, with the inscription 'NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR' surrounding the image and the date appearing below.
• Reverse (back): Displays the French imperial eagle with the denomination '100 FRANCS' and the phrase 'EMPIRE FRANÇAIS' surrounding the eagle.
• Weight: 32.258 grams
• Gold Content: 0.9335 troy ounces of pure gold
• Fineness: 90% gold (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The 100 Francs Napoleon III Gold Coins were struck at several French mints, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is typically located on the reverse of the coin:

• Paris (A): The majority of these coins were minted in Paris, making them more common.
• Bordeaux (K): Coins from the Bordeaux mint are less common and can be more desirable to collectors.
• Marseille (M): Marseille-minted coins are relatively rare, adding to their collectible value.
• Strasbourg (BB): Coins from Strasbourg are also less common and can be highly sought after.
• Lyon (D): Lyon-minted coins are among the rarest and most valuable due to their low mintage numbers.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Some mintage years had higher production numbers, making those coins more readily available in the market. For example, coins minted in Paris during the 1850s and 1860s often had larger mintages and are more common today.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Coins from certain mints and years can be significantly rarer and more valuable. For instance, the 1855-A and 1869-BB are known for their low mintages and are highly sought after by collectors. Additionally, coins minted in Lyon (D) are particularly rare and command higher premiums.

Various Grades and Values

The value of 100 Francs Napoleon III Gold Coins depends on their condition, rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins (Paris and large mintage years).

• Good (G): $1,200-1,500
• Fine (F): $1,400-1,700
• Extremely Fine (XF): $1,600-2,000
• About Uncirculated (AU): $2,000-2,500
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $2,500-3,500

Rare mint marks and key dates can command prices well into the thousands or even tens of thousands for coins in higher grades.

The 100 Francs Napoleon III Gold Coin is an important piece of French numismatic history. Coins from mints such as Lyon and Strasbourg, as well as key dates, are highly sought after by collectors and can command significant premiums. Common-date coins are more affordable and may be sold as bullion, making them a popular choice for gold investors. The coin's value increases significantly with higher grades and more desirable mint marks.

100 Francs Napoleon III Auctions