Owner Comments:
1812-A 40 Francs - Design: OBVERSE: Bust of Napoleon I w/ laurel wreath on head, inscription “NAPOLEON EMPEREUR”, cursive initials below bust are those of the designer Pierre Joseph Tiolier ~ REVERSE: Value within wreath of laurel d’olivier, date below. Legend reads “EMPIRE FRANCAIS”, privy mark = cock (rooster) and mint mark “A”.
Mint: Paris
Mintage: 681,887
References: KM #696.1 / Fr. 505
Specifications: Diameter – 26.0mm
Weight – 12.9039 g. @ 0.9000 Gold = .3734 oz AGW
Acquired: January 2007
Providence: Dr. Jacob Terner
Notes:
Ø Minted during the First Empire of France, which started in 1804 when Napoleon I was proclaimed Emperor of France and King of Italy. This period ended in 1814 when Napoleon was abdicated in 1814 and exiled to the island of Elba.
Ø This coin also has raised stars and a motto on engraved in its edge, DIEU PROTEGUE LA FRANCE [God Protect France]
Ø This coin is very uncommon in a grade this fine. PCGS: Pop= 3/27 with 1 higher, NGC: Pop= 3/119 with 1 higher