What is the value of a 10 Francs Napoléon gold coin today?
10 Francs Napoléon price history
Intrinsic value based on the gold price
How much does a 10 Francs Napoléon gold coin weigh?
The 10 Francs Napoléon coin has a total weight of 3.2258 grams. This weight includes the coin's complete alloy.
Taking its purity of 900‰ (90.0%) into account, this coin contains exactly 2.9032 grams of pure gold.
What is the purity of a 10 Francs Napoléon gold coin?
The 10 Francs Napoléon coin has a purity of 900 thousandths, i.e. 90.0% fine gold.
This purity is characteristic of coins struck in France between 1850-1899. The rest of the alloy (10.0%) is generally composed of copper to strengthen the coin's durability.
Obverse
The obverse features the portrait of the Emperor facing right, bordered by the legend "NAPOLEON EMPEREUR". The engraver Pierre-Joseph Tiolier's signature appears below the bust on the initial strikes.
The two major issues
First Empire (1809 – 1815): Portrait of Napoleon I depicted with a bare head or a laurel crown depending on the year of issue.
Second Empire (1854 – 1870): A more limited issue featuring the distinctive profile of Napoleon III.
Reverse
The reverse displays the face value 10 FRANCS, the date and the imperial eagle. The mint letter (e.g. A for Paris) and the engraver's privy marks make it possible to date and locate the strike.
Evolution of the engraving
First Empire (Napoleon I): Classic heraldic composition featuring the original imperial eagle.
Second Empire (Napoleon III): The eagle motif is reused, but rearranged according to the monetary style specific to the Second Empire.
Numismatic interest: Variations in mint letters and engravers' privy marks determine the rarity of each date.
Versions and mintage
10 Francs Napoléon 3, Tête sans lauriers, petite taille
10 Francs Napoléon 3, Tête sans lauriers, grande taille
10 Francs Napoléon 3, Tête aux lauriers, grande taille
History of the 10 Francs Napoléon gold coin
Created during the Franc Germinal reform (1803), the 10 Francs gold coin is the fractional version of the famous Napoléon 20 Francs. Its fineness of 900 ‰ represents 2.9032 g of pure gold for a total weight of 3.2258 g (19 mm).
The two minting periods
First Empire (1809 – 1815): Issues under Napoleon I (main mint A - Paris). More modest mintages than the 20 Francs, generating a numismatic premium today.
Second Empire (1854 – 1869): Resumption of minting under Napoleon III with an updated official portrait.
Note: Do not confuse the 10 Francs with the 20 Francs ("Le Napoléon"): their weight and gold content differ by a factor of two.
Price history (2005 – 2026)
The coin's price combines its metal value (indexed to the spot price of gold) and a variable premium depending on the condition and rarity of the year.
2005 – 2011: Sharp rise driven by the global surge in gold (from < $500 to > $1,900 per ounce).
2012 – 2017: Correction phase followed by stabilisation of prices.
2018 – 2026: Marked acceleration driven by geopolitical tensions and inflation.
Why invest in the 10 Francs gold coin?
It is an ideal format for spreading purchases of physical gold on a small budget, while benefiting from the recognised standard of the Franc Germinal.
Strengths and points to watch
Accessible budget: Allows gradual investment without the capital required for a 20 Francs or a Krugerrand.
Numismatic potential: Higher premium on rare specimens and superior grades (TTB / SUP).
Lower liquidity: The secondary market is less deep than that of the 20 Francs, with slightly wider bid/ask spreads.
Taxation: Subject to the French precious metals regime (TMP at 11.5% or tax on actual capital gain with an allowance).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 10 Francs Napoléon III "Tête nue" and "Tête laurée"?
The bare head coins were struck at the beginning of the Second Empire (from 1854 to 1860). From 1861 onwards, the laurel wreath was added to the portrait of Napoleon III to celebrate France's military victories (notably the Italian campaign).
Both versions share the same quantity of pure gold, but the mintages and condition of certain bare head years can give them a higher premium.
What are the technical specifications of a 10 Francs Napoléon III?
The 10 Francs Napoléon is made of gold at 900 ‰ (90% pure gold and 10% copper). Its gross weight is 3.23 grams for a fine gold weight of 2.90 grams. Its diameter is 19 mm and its edge is reeded.
Why is the 10 Francs Or said to be a good choice for dividing up one's investment?
With a face value and weight half that of the famous 20 Francs Napoléon, the 10 Francs allows you to buy gold in smaller amounts.
In the event of a future resale, this format offers great flexibility: it allows you to liquidate a small portion of your capital in gold coins without having to sell a heavier coin (such as a 50 Pesos or a Bar).
How to recognize the mint of a 10 Francs Napoléon?
The mint can be identified by the mint letter engraved at the bottom of the reverse of the coin (below the date or the crown).
The letter A indicates the Monnaie de Paris, BB designates Strasbourg and K corresponds to Bordeaux.
Coins struck at provincial mints were often produced in smaller quantities, which may be of interest to collectors.
Does the 10 Francs Napoléon benefit from VAT exemption on purchase?
Yes. The 10 Francs Napoléon meets all the criteria for investment gold within the meaning of the European directive (struck after 1800, purity equal to or greater than 900 ‰, and having been legal tender).
As such, its purchase is completely exempt from VAT in France.
Similar coins
