Napoleon III Bare Head Silver 5 Francs Coin
Coin/Bullion · Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris) and various provincial mints (Strasbourg, Lyon). Engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre.
Pattern: Napoleon III 'Bare Head' (Tête Nue) coinage series, produced between 1853 and 1860.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris) and various provincial mints (Strasbourg, Lyon). Engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre.
Material
90% Fine Silver (Sterling equivalent .900), 10% Copper. Total weight 25 grams with 22.5 grams pure silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 37 mm; Thickness: ~2.5 mm; Weight: 25.0 grams (0.8038 troy oz).
Description
This significant silver 5 Francs piece represents the height of French numismatic prestige under Napoleon III. The obverse features a dignified, realistic portrait of the Emperor by chief engraver Jean-Jacques Barre. It is a 'large format' silver coin, much loved by collectors for its weight and historical resonance as the primary silver trade coin of mid-19th century Europe.
Key Features
Bare head portrait (no crown or wreath), 'BARRE' engraver mark, .900 silver fineness, 37mm diameter large-crown size.
Material & Composition
90% Fine Silver (Sterling equivalent .900), 10% Copper. Total weight 25 grams with 22.5 grams pure silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Struck finish with high-relief portrait. Features Napoleon III's profile facing left. The obverse is 'Bare Head' style, distinguishing it from the later 'Laureate Head' design. Circular denticles border the rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR' with engraver's name 'BARRE' below neck. Reverse (not shown) would include the denomination '5 FRANCS', the year, and a mint mark (e.g., 'A' for Paris).
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a prepared silver planchet (blank). Edge is typically lettered in relief with 'DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE'.
Functional Features
Standard currency of the Second French Empire; serves as legal tender within the Latin Monetary Union era.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; circular coin form designed for handheld tactile exchange and stacking.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-engraving by Barre, showing fine detail in the hair and facial features. The striking pressure is consistent with the high technical standards of the mid-19th century French mints.
Authentication Indicators
The depth and clarity of the 'BARRE' signature, the specific font of the lettering, and the characteristic wear patterns on the beard and ear are consistent with authentic 19th-century French minting.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; struck at major state mints following the centralized standards of the Monnaie de Paris.
Era & Period
French Second Empire (1852–1870). Neoclassical influence in numismatic portraiture.
Age Estimate
Circa 1853-1860, based on the 'Bare Head' portrait which preceded the laurel wreath version introduced in 1861.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the economic stability and imperial ambition of the French Second Empire; it was a global trade coin similar in status to the US Silver Dollar or the British Crown.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Good Very Fine (GVF). Shows moderate surface wear on high points of the hair and beard. Light scratches and minor edge dings consistent with circulation. Natural grey patina with light oxidation in the recessed letters.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $60.00 USD for common dates in this circulated condition. Rare mint marks or years (like 1853-BB) can command higher premiums.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules. Handle by the edges only to avoid skin oils causing dark spots.
Similar Pieces
5 Francs 'Louis-Philippe I', 5 Francs 'Napoleon III Laureate Head', 5 Francs 'Hercules' (Third Republic). The Laureate version is the most common confusion point.
Interesting Facts
The 5 Franc coin was the backbone of the Latin Monetary Union, making it interchangeable with Greek Drachmas, Italian Lire, and Swiss Francs at the time. This specific 'Bare Head' design reflects Napoleon III's early reign before he adopted the more 'Imperial' laureate look following military successes.