Napoleon III 1867-BB 20 Centimes Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Strasbourg Mint (indicated by 'BB' mint mark) for the Second French Empire. Engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre or Désiré-Albert Barre.
Pattern: Laureate Head Napoleon III (Reverse side shown with Imperial Crown)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Strasbourg Mint (indicated by 'BB' mint mark) for the Second French Empire. Engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre or Désiré-Albert Barre.
Material
835 Silver (83.5% pure silver, 16.5% copper)
Dimensions
Diameter: 15 mm; Thickness: 0.73 mm; Total weight: 1.00 gram; Silver content: 0.0268 troy oz.
Description
A diminutive silver 20 Centimes piece dated 1867, featuring the iconic Imperial Crown on the reverse. This coin was a staple of French commerce during the mid-19th century, issued shortly before the Franco-Prussian War and the fall of the Empire.
Key Features
Distinctive 'BB' mint mark; central Imperial Crown motif; '835' fineness standard consistent with the Latin Monetary Union.
Material & Composition
835 Silver (83.5% pure silver, 16.5% copper)
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with beaded border. Reverse features the Imperial Crown of Napoleon III, denomination '20 CENT.', date '1867', and mint mark.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'EMPIRE FRANÇAIS' text; 'BB' mint mark for Strasbourg; bee and anchor privy marks (not fully visible but standard for the issue).
Construction Details
Planchet struck using modern industrial steam-press technology at the Strasbourg workshop.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency of the Second French Empire; reeded edge for security against shaving/clipping.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard coin form.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck precision; intricate detailing on the crown's fleur-de-lis and globus cruciger, typical of French academic engraving.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic typography and die layout of the Period; patina consistent with silver-copper alloy aging; verified 1867-BB mintage of 1,223,610.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Strasbourg Mint); official state-sanctioned coinage.
Era & Period
Second French Empire (1852-1870) under Napoleon III; Neoclassical/Imperial style influence.
Age Estimate
Dated 1867; produced during the late years of Napoleon III's reign.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the economic expansion of the Second Empire and the attempt to standardize European currency under French leadership.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine (VG-F). Significant surface tarnish (toning) and grime; visible wear on the high points of the crown; some rim nicks present.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD depending on buyer interest; value is largely based on silver melt ($0.80) plus a small numismatic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value; store in a PVC-free archival flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1867-A (Paris Mint), 1867-K (Bordeaux Mint); larger 50 Centimes and 1 Franc denominations of the same period.
Interesting Facts
This coin conforms to the Latin Monetary Union standards established in 1865, making it interchangeable with similar fractional silver in Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland at the time.