A Rare Silver Coin Preserving the Brilliance of the French Empire and Napoleon III!
A true historical artifact symbolizing the splendor of the Second French Empire.

From the globally celebrated Napoleon coin series, this particular silver coin stands out for its exceptional rarity and pristine condition.

Design

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

• Reverse: Imperial coat of arms of Napoleon
  Inscription: EMPIRE FRANÇAIS 2 F 1866

Engraver: Désiré-Albert Barre – the 18th Chief Engraver of the Paris Mint, a legendary figure in French numismatic art.
Often compared to Britain’s William Wyon, Barre’s elegant and refined designs continue to captivate collectors and historians worldwide. Among his works, coins featuring Napoleon III are by far the most famous and widely sought after.

Condition

Graded MS65 (Mint State) by PCGS

• Certification Page: https://www.pcgsasia.com/Cert/51355879

Coin Details

• Year of Issue: 1866

• Mint: Paris (marked “A”)

• Denomination: 2 Francs

• Mintage: 3,225,798 pieces

• Material: Silver

• Diameter: 27mm

• Weight: 10g

• Obverse: Portrait of Napoleon III

• Reverse: Imperial coat of arms

• Grade: MS65

Highlights

★ Rarity

• PCGS-certified population: Only 30 coins

• NGC-certified population: Only 30 coins

Although the mintage was over 3 million, this coin was intended for circulation, so high-grade examples are exceedingly rare.
Among certified coins, only a handful remain in top grades.

★ Condition

• PCGS: 3rd highest graded

  • MS67: 1 piece

  • MS66: 1 piece

  • MS65: 3 pieces (including this one)

• NGC: 2nd highest graded

  • MS66: 1 piece

  • MS65: 1 piece

In total, only three coins across both major grading agencies are known to exist in these upper grades.
This coin, graded MS65, displays exceptional luster, a sharp strike, and remarkable detail—making it a true numismatic masterpiece.

★ Historical & Artistic Significance
French coins are universally admired for their aesthetic appeal and deep historical roots.
Napoleon-themed coins in particular maintain consistently high demand thanks to the emperor’s legacy and enduring popularity.

This coin captures the legacy of Napoleon III, who led the Second French Empire and ushered in an era of modernization, economic expansion, and urban renewal.
His leadership brought about:

• The Paris Exposition of 1855, showcasing global industrial innovation

• The transformation of Paris into the modern cityscape we know today (Haussmann’s renovations)

• A flourishing of French cultural influence on the global stage

The portrait of Napoleon III on this silver coin reflects not only his political authority but also the golden age of the French Empire.
The fine craftsmanship and classical design exemplify the artistic excellence of 19th-century French coinage.

Market Appeal

With last year’s release of the film Napoleon, global media attention has reignited interest in Napoleonic history and artifacts.
Just as the film The King’s Speech boosted demand for George VI coins, collectors and investors are now turning their attention to Napoleon-related coinage.

This coin, with its limited number of high-grade survivors, is expected to continue appreciating in value as demand climbs.

Conclusion

This Napoleon III 2 Franc silver coin, graded MS65, is more than a collector’s piece—
It is a symbol of an imperial golden age, a work of art and history, and an investment in cultural heritage.

Whether you are a collector of French coins, a Napoleon enthusiast, or an investor seeking high-potential assets, this coin is an outstanding opportunity.

Add it to your collection while it’s still available. This is a piece that truly deserves a place in every serious numismatist’s portfolio.