1849–1851 France 5 Francs Silver Ceres F–VF

This French 5 Francs Is 170 Years Old!

During the Second French Republic, the design of the 5 Francs coin from 1848-1849 featured Hercules. In 1852, the same coin was changed to show the bust Napoleon III. In the years from 1849 to 1851, the coin showed Ceres, the goddess of plants and agriculture in Roman mythology. Why the short-lived design? It’s because the coin and its design fell victim to a coup staged by Napoleon III, who assumed dictatorial powers and established the Second French Empire in 1852—which led to his effigy being put on the 5 Francs coin beginning that same year.

Who Was Napoleon III?

Often disparaged as a precursor of fascism, the Second French Empire was led by Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, a nephew of the famous Napoléon Bonaparte who ruled France from 1804–1814 and again briefly in 1815. The last monarch to rule over France, Napoleon III served as the first President of France from 1848 to 1852 when these coins were struck. French constitutional law did not allow him to run for another term and a vote to amend the rule failed to get the needed two-thirds majority vote. Saying that he served the will of the people, Napoleon seized power by force and proclaimed himself emperor.

Despite his violent coup d’état, he proved to be a popular monarch. He helped modernize the French economy and expanded French power overseas. He proved to be less effective as a general. He personally commanded soldiers during the disastrous Franco-Prussian War, where he was captured and made a prisoner of war in 1870 following the Battle of Sedan, thus ending his reign, and ushering in the Third French Republic.

Hurry, Only Limited Quantities Are Available

Each of these historic coins was struck from 1849 to 1851 (date our choice) in 25 grams of highly pure 90% fine silver and comes in Fine to Very Fine (F–VF) condition. But, even with our vast contacts overseas, we were only able to acquire 35 of these 170-year-old 5 Francs, so act quickly to get yours!