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The France 10 Centimes 1861BB KM#798.2 coin is a mid-19th-century bronze issue from the Second French Empire, struck at the Strasbourg Mint, as indicated by the “BB” mintmark. Issued under the reign of Napoleon III, this coin exemplifies the imperial style and practical functionality of French decimal coinage during a period of national modernization and political centralization. Graded Very Fine (VF), this specimen retains strong central details with moderate wear from circulation, offering collectors a well-preserved example of a useful denomination with rich historical and regional significance.
During the year 1861, Emperor Napoleon III was at the height of his imperial power, engaged in domestic reforms, economic expansion, and the projection of French influence abroad. His administration had restructured France’s monetary system to reflect the centralized authority of the state, with uniform coinage designs emphasizing imperial symbols and classical motifs. The 10 centimes denomination served a vital role in the national economy, bridging small daily transactions and allowing for precise commercial exchanges in the decimal system established after the French Revolution and reinforced under Napoleon I and Napoleon III alike.
The obverse of the 1861 10 centimes coin features the laureate head of Napoleon III facing right. His bust is surrounded by the inscription “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR.” The laurel wreath, a classical Roman symbol of victory and authority, is a visual link to the emperor’s namesake and his aspirations to emulate the grandeur of ancient and Napoleonic imperial power. The bust was designed by Jean-Jacques Barre, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint, whose work on the imperial coinage combined neoclassical elegance with strong, realistic modeling. In VF condition, the major features of Napoleon’s profile—such as the ear, facial outline, and laurel wreath—are visible but show moderate smoothing on high points.
The reverse displays a bold imperial eagle with outspread wings, standing on a thunderbolt—a revived symbol from Napoleon Bonaparte’s era intended to convey military might, national pride, and stability. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “EMPIRE FRANÇAIS” above and the denomination “10 CENTIMES” below. The date “1861” is situated at the bottom, and beneath that lies the “BB” mintmark of Strasbourg. The design is framed by a beaded border. In VF condition, the eagle’s outline and core features remain distinct, though finer plumage detail may be worn. All legends are clearly legible, and the central devices retain bold visual presence despite circulation wear.
KM#798.2 in the Krause-Mishler catalog identifies this specific 10 centimes issue with laureate-head obverse and imperial eagle reverse, struck in bronze and bearing the “BB” mintmark. The coin measures approximately 30 millimeters in diameter and weighs about 10 grams, making it a substantial and durable piece of small-denomination coinage. The edge is plain, and the coin was struck using steam-powered presses, standard at the time for all French mints. Bronze was selected for lower-value denominations to reduce production costs while still providing a coin durable enough for everyday commerce.
The Strasbourg Mint, identified by the “BB” mintmark, was one of several regional mints in 19th-century France operating under the central authority of the Monnaie de Paris. Although not as prolific as the Paris Mint (A), Strasbourg played a crucial role in supplying coinage to eastern regions of France and Germany-adjacent territories. Coins bearing the “BB” mintmark are often of particular interest to collectors of mintmark varieties or regional French issues. The quality of Strasbourg’s production was generally on par with Paris, and many 10 centimes BB coins were released into active circulation across the country.
The 10 centimes coin was an important denomination in 19th-century France, used widely for transactions involving food, transportation, postal services, and market goods. It was equivalent to one-tenth of a franc and thus had significant purchasing power among the working class. Due to its everyday use, these coins typically experienced heavy wear and were often melted or retired by later reforms. As a result, VF examples are desirable for retaining both legibility and artistic clarity while representing authentic use and age.
In terms of VF condition characteristics, this coin retains clearly defined major design elements with moderate, even wear. On the obverse, Napoleon’s portrait is still outlined cleanly, with smoothed but distinguishable laurel leaves and facial features. On the reverse, the eagle’s body, wings, and thunderbolt remain visible, though feather detail is mostly worn. The date and legends remain sharp and readable, and the coin’s surfaces show natural patina, likely a deep brown or chocolate tone, with occasional minor marks or rim nicks typical of circulated 19th-century bronze coinage.
From a historical perspective, this 1861 coin is also notable for being issued during a period of international ambition and internal development under Napoleon III. That same year, France was expanding its colonial reach and was on the verge of embarking on its intervention in Mexico. Domestically, the empire was investing in infrastructure, railways, and Parisian urban renewal under Baron Haussmann. Coins like this circulated broadly during this era of growth and nationalism, carrying with them the iconography and political identity of the Second Empire.
Collectors are drawn to the 1861BB 10 centimes for several reasons: its bold imperial design, the historical prominence of Napoleon III’s reign, its large format and bronze composition, and the regional interest provided by the “BB” mintmark. These coins fit well into collections focused on French imperial coinage, Napoleonic symbolism, or 19th-century European economic history. They also appeal to those building mintmark sets or exploring the evolution of French coinage from the Revolution through the Republics and Empires.
The Certified France 10 Centimes 1861BB KM#798.2 in Very Fine condition offers a satisfying combination of historical depth, visual appeal, and affordability. With its strong portraiture, commanding reverse, and connection to both national and regional minting traditions, it stands as an enduring piece of French monetary and political history. Whether acquired as a representative of the Second Empire, a mintmark variety, or a fine example of 19th-century bronze currency, this VF specimen delivers authenticity, detail, and context in equal measure.