France: Napoleon III gold 100 Francs 1870-A AU53 NGC,...

Description

Final 100 Francs Of The Cancelled Emperor

Napoleon III gold 100 Francs 1870-A AU53 NGC, Paris mint, KM802.1, Fr-580, Gad-1136, F-551/14. At first glance, the reported mintage of this laurel-head 100 Francs at 10,460 pieces appears comparably sizable amongst its peers in this highly revered series. However, the ruinous end of the Emperor's reign in the Franco-Prussia war meant that France had to pay an enormous indemnity to Prussia. The exact amount was set by the Treaty of Frankfurt, whereby France was obligated to pay a war indemnity of five billion francs. The requirement led to most of this final year issue being sent to Prussia in reparations and subsequently melted there. Much later recognized as a rarity, it is plausible that the few survivors escaped into circulation as nearly all show some degree of wear from handling.

The present example, like most of the dozen or less known to exist, admits isolated instances of contact notably on the Emperor's neck and in front of his bust, yet maintains a distinguished aura as all the struck motifs remain bold and fully detailed. The surfaces are largely mellowed yellow-gold apart from reverse legends where touches of light copper can be witnessed silhouetting the legends. A rare and celebrated occasion whenever made available in the public; we note that two pieces have appeared on the marketplace since we last sold this example in 2014: an AU55 PCGS that was sold for approximately $215,000+premium in November 2021, and a MS62 PCGS that hammered $288,000+premium in June 2022, and we anticipate this rarity to be met with no less enthusiasm for the privilege to obtain this significant piece of numismatic history.

Despite the dictatorial and belligerent rule of Napoleon III, there's no denying that he was also a visionary who made vast advancements during his nearly eighteen years of reign. He initiated various modernization projects and public works, including the renovation of Paris under the guidance of Baron Haussmann that aimed to improve the city's infrastructure, public health, and living conditions of contemporary Parisians. He also implemented economic policies that promoted industrialization and modernization in France, making critical investments in infrastructure, railways, and industries, all contributing to France's economic growth. However, after the collapse of his Second Empire and the painful indemnities and loss of Alsace-Lorraine, the sentiment regarding his achievements turned broadly negative, and his legacy was effectively erased from public sight.

Ex. Heritage Auction 3033 (August 2014, Lot 23227)

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 35mm
AGW: 0.9334oz

More information about French Coins. See also: France World Coin Nationality.

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