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The France 10 Centimes 1861BB KM#798.2 coin is a robust bronze issue from the Second French Empire, minted at the Strasbourg Mint as denoted by the "BB" mintmark. Issued under the rule of Napoleon III, this denomination reflects the imperial aesthetic and political authority of the mid-19th century. Struck during a time of economic development and expanding global ambition, this coin combines utilitarian function with powerful symbolism. A certified Extra Fine (XF) example like this preserves considerable design detail and luster, offering an attractive and historically significant collectible from one of France’s most dynamic eras.
In 1861, Emperor Napoleon III presided over a flourishing empire characterized by infrastructure expansion, diplomatic assertiveness, and modernization efforts. The coinage of this period was intentionally classical and grand, recalling the Roman Empire and echoing the legacy of his uncle, Napoleon Bonaparte. The 10 centimes coin, made of bronze and used for everyday commerce, was also a piece of imperial propaganda, reinforcing Napoleon III’s authority with laurel-crowned portraiture and an aggressive imperial eagle. With wide usage across all social classes, this coin reached nearly every pocket in France during the height of the Second Empire.
The obverse of the 1861 10 centimes features the laureate head of Napoleon III facing right. He wears a laurel wreath, a traditional Roman symbol of victory and sovereignty. The inscription "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR" encircles the bust, emphasizing the emperor’s title and his authority over the French people. The design, created by Jean-Jacques Barre, reflects neoclassical elegance with detailed modeling of facial features and the wreath. In XF condition, Napoleon’s profile is sharply defined, with high relief in the hair, laurel leaves, and facial contours, though with minor friction evident on the highest points such as the cheek and hair curls.
The reverse depicts a striking Napoleonic eagle with wings fully spread and perched atop a thunderbolt—an emblem of strength, vigilance, and military readiness. The eagle, inherited from the First Empire, symbolizes imperial power and the continuity of Napoleonic leadership. Surrounding the eagle is the legend "EMPIRE FRANÇAIS" above and the denomination "10 CENTIMES" below. The date "1861" is placed under the denomination, with the mintmark "BB" for Strasbourg directly beneath. In XF condition, the eagle retains impressive feather definition, particularly in the wings and breast, with strong detail in the thunderbolt and surrounding lettering.
KM#798.2 identifies this coin in the Krause-Mishler catalog as the standard bronze 10 centimes featuring Napoleon III’s laureate head and the imperial eagle reverse. With a diameter of 30 millimeters and a weight of approximately 10 grams, it was a large, easily handled coin. Its plain edge and bronze composition made it durable for circulation. The size of the coin and its bold designs were intended to be highly legible and to visually assert the presence of the state even in the smallest denominations. Though minted in large numbers, high-grade survivors such as this XF piece are significantly less common today due to heavy use and frequent melting in later periods.
The Strasbourg Mint, one of several official mints operating under the authority of the Monnaie de Paris, was responsible for a substantial portion of the bronze coinage during this era. The “BB” mintmark is a key identifying feature for collectors interested in regional mint varieties. Although similar in style and quality to coins from the Paris Mint (A), those from Strasbourg have unique production characteristics that appeal to specialists. Mintmark collecting is a popular subfield within French numismatics, and issues from Strasbourg in higher grades are often more difficult to locate, particularly with strong reverse details.
The 10 centimes denomination was an essential unit in 19th-century France’s decimal currency system. Introduced during the revolutionary reforms, the centime structure replaced the complicated livre-sou-denier system. Ten centimes represented one-tenth of a franc and was commonly used for small transactions, including fares, postage, and market goods. Its large size and weight made it convenient for handling and robust in circulation, though this also led to considerable wear over time. XF examples, with only light wear and full design visibility, are increasingly difficult to find and prized for their visual and historical completeness.
In this Extra Fine grade, the coin displays well-preserved surfaces with only minimal wear limited to the highest points of the design. The obverse still exhibits strong luster in protected areas such as behind the neck and along the laurel wreath. The reverse maintains bold line work in the eagle’s feathers, talons, and thunderbolt, with legible legends and crisp date numerals. XF coins are particularly valued for offering nearly full artistic expression at a fraction of Mint State cost, making them excellent representatives for collectors who prioritize both affordability and detail.
The year 1861 was also politically significant, as France’s foreign policy was actively asserting itself abroad. Napoleon III was engaged in diplomatic maneuvering in the Middle East and preparing to intervene in Mexico. Domestically, France was continuing to modernize with expanding railroads, urban redevelopment under Baron Haussmann, and growing industrial output. This 10 centimes coin circulated widely during this moment of economic transformation and imperial confidence, reflecting the power and reach of Napoleon III’s government even in minor coinage.
Collectors appreciate the 1861BB 10 centimes for its imposing design, excellent craftsmanship, and historical associations. As a coin that saw everyday use while symbolizing a powerful regime, it represents the intersection of daily life and grand imperial imagery. Its artistic details—Napoleon III’s neoclassical bust, the commanding eagle, and precise inscriptions—make it a standout among 19th-century French coins. Its "BB" mintmark adds regional nuance, and its XF preservation allows these design elements to shine without the distractions of excessive wear or surface damage.
The Certified France 10 Centimes 1861BB KM#798.2 in Extra Fine condition is a strong and appealing representation of Second Empire bronze coinage. With a clear portrait, powerful reverse symbolism, and desirable mint origin, it holds lasting value for collectors of French, Napoleonic, or European historical coinage. Its combination of size, design, and preserved artistry allows it to serve as a cornerstone of a 19th-century French type set or as an engaging standalone piece with deep roots in French imperial history.