A Rare Silver Coin that Carries the Brilliance of the French Empire and Napoleon III
A historical treasure that symbolizes the grandeur of the Second French Empire.

From the globally beloved Napoleon coin series, this silver coin stands out for its outstanding rarity and condition.

Design

• Obverse: Portrait of Napoleon III
  Inscription: NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR BARRE A
  (“A” indicates the Paris Mint)

• Reverse: The imperial coat of arms of Napoleon
  Inscription: EMPIRE FRANÇAIS 1 F 1866

Engraver: Désiré-Albert Barre
18th Chief Engraver of the Paris Mint and a legendary figure in French coinage history.
Often compared to Britain’s William Wyon, Barre is known for creating refined and graceful designs that continue to captivate collectors and historians alike.

Among his many works, coins featuring Napoleon III remain the most famous and sought-after.

Condition

Graded MS64 by PCGS

• Certification Page: https://www.pcgsasia.com/cert/51355469?l=ja

Coin Details

• Year of Issue: 1866

• Mint: Paris

• Denomination: 1 Franc

• Mintage: 14,638,000

• Material: Silver

• Diameter: 23mm

• Weight: 5g

• Obverse: Portrait of Napoleon III

• Reverse: Imperial coat of arms

• Grade: MS64

• PCGS Ranking: 7th highest certified grade

Highlights

★ Rarity

• Despite the high original mintage, only 53 coins have been graded by PCGS.
  These coins were circulated, so well-preserved, collectible specimens are rare.
  The low number of certified coins underscores this coin’s true scarcity.

★ Condition

• PCGS 7th Highest Certified Example

  • Only 15 coins have been certified above this grade!

• The coin retains Mint State (MS) quality, with sharp details, brilliant luster, and minimal wear.

• It’s a true numismatic artwork, showing exceptional preservation despite being a circulating coin.

★ Market Appeal
French coins are highly praised by collectors for their artistic elegance and historical weight.
Coins featuring Napoleon are particularly in demand due to his monumental legacy and enduring charisma.

This 1 Franc silver coin was issued during the reign of Napoleon III, who led France through a transformative era of economic growth, urban development, and cultural renaissance.
He hosted the 1855 Paris Exposition, cementing France’s place at the center of the world stage.
He also oversaw the famous Haussmann renovations, which created the Paris we know today.

This coin, with its finely engraved portrait of Napoleon III, captures the brilliance of that golden era, making it a coveted piece among collectors.
Its refined artistry exemplifies the excellence of French 19th-century coinage.

With the global release of the film Napoleon last year, interest in Napoleonic history and memorabilia has surged—just as coins of George VI soared after The King’s Speech.
This trend further boosts the investment potential of Napoleon-themed coins.

Conclusion

This 1866 1 Franc silver coin, graded MS64, combines aesthetic refinement, historical depth, and growing collector interest.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a passionate history enthusiast, this coin is a worthy addition to any collection.
With its affordability and strong growth potential, now is the perfect time to secure a Napoleon coin of international acclaim.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the French Empire through this beautiful silver coin.