France 100 Francs Napoleon III Laureate

The 100 Francs Napoleon III Laureate is a notable gold coin issued during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III in France. It was minted between 1862 and 1870, featuring the iconic portrait of Napoleon III, and is a favorite among collectors and investors due to its historical significance and gold content.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): The coin features a laureate bust of Emperor Napoleon III facing right, with the inscription "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR" around the edge. The date of issue appears below the bust.
• Reverse (back): The reverse displays the French coat of arms, including a crowned eagle with a shield, surrounded by the inscription "EMPIRE FRANÇAIS" and the denomination "100 FRANCS."
• 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 Laureate was minted in several locations, and the mint mark can be found on the reverse, below the wreath:

• Paris (A): The majority of these coins were minted in Paris, and these are the most commonly found.
• Bordeaux (K): Coins from the Bordeaux Mint are relatively scarce and thus more sought after by collectors.
• Marseille (MA): Marseille-minted coins are rare and can command a higher premium.
• Lyon (L): Coins with this mint mark are also less common and more valuable.
• Strasbourg (BB): Strasbourg issues are particularly rare, making them highly desirable among collectors.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Coins from the Paris Mint (A) are generally more common, especially from the later years of production, such as 1867 and 1868. These dates are more readily available in the market and often carry lower premiums.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Coins from mints other than Paris, such as Bordeaux (K), Marseille (MA), Lyon (L), and Strasbourg (BB), are generally rarer and can fetch higher prices. Some particularly rare dates include:

• 1862 (MA): One of the earliest issues from Marseille, highly sought after.
• 1864 (BB): A rare year from the Strasbourg Mint.
• 1867 (L): Low mintage from the Lyon Mint makes this coin valuable.
• 1870 (K): Bordeaux issues from this year are exceptionally rare.

Various Grades and Values

The value of the 100 Francs Napoleon III Laureate depends on its condition (grade), rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins (mainly Paris Mint):

• Good (G): $1,200-1,500
• Fine (F): $1,500-1,800
• Extremely Fine (XF): $1,800-2,200
• About Uncirculated (AU): $2,200-2,800
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $2,800-3,500

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

The 100 Francs Napoleon III Laureate is a significant piece of French numismatic history. Coins from mints like Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon, and Strasbourg, as well as key dates, are highly prized by collectors and can command substantial premiums. Common-date coins, especially those from the Paris Mint, are more accessible 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 Laureate Auctions