Laureate Head Type with Value 20 Francs in Wreath on Reverse.
We give a brief history of Napoleon III, on our Napoleon III page.

Description
They show a bare-headed portrait of Louis, with the inscription "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR". The engravers name BARRE is below the head.
The reverse design consists of the value "20 FRANCS" and the date in three lines surrounded by a laurel wreath. Around the outside of the wreath is the inscription "EMPIRE FRANCAIS". The mintmark "A" or "BB" appears below the wreath.
The edge is inscribed in raised lettering "DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE".
Coins of this type were issued from 1853 to 1860 inclusive.

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
20 Francs	21	6.4516	.900	.1867

Prices & Availability - 20 Francs

Date	Description	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1854-A	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	almost VF	23,486,000	Yes	£85	$175
1855-A	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	almost VF	16,595,000	Yes	£85	$175
1857-A	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	about VF	19,193,000	Yes	£85	$175
1858-A	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	almost EF	16,861,000	Sold	£95	$195
1859-A	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	about VF	20,295,000	Yes	£85	$175
1860-A	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	VF	10,220,000	Yes	£85	$175
1860-BB	Napoleon III Value in Wreath	VF	5,727,000	Yes	£85	$175

Quantity Purchases
For investors or collectors wishing to buy 20 Francs in quantity of 10 pieces or more, we can usually quote very competitive bullion rates on request.

Other Types & Dates
This table shows a list of the different types of Napoleon III French 20 Francs, and their date ranges.

Denomination	Type	First Date	Last Date
20 Francs	Louis Napoleon Bonaparte / Value in Wreath	1852	1852
20 Francs	Napoleon III Bare Head / Value in Wreath	1853	1860
20 Francs	Napoleon III Laureate Head / Shield	1861	1870

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £6 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order