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The France 10 Centimes 1862BB KM#798.2 coin is a bronze issue of the Second French Empire, struck at the Strasbourg Mint as designated by the “BB” mintmark. Bearing the laureate portrait of Napoleon III and the distinctive Napoleonic eagle reverse, this coin exemplifies the political imagery and practical monetary design of mid-19th century France. Graded Very Fine (VF), this specimen retains its major details with even, moderate circulation wear. As a widely circulated denomination essential to the daily economy, the 10 centimes served millions, and preserved examples like this one offer collectors a tangible piece of France’s imperial history and evolving coinage system.
By 1862, the Second French Empire was firmly established under Napoleon III, who had proclaimed himself emperor a decade earlier. This period was marked by modernization, industrialization, and an active foreign policy. Napoleon III used every available state instrument, including coinage, to reinforce his rule and the image of continuity with his uncle, Napoleon I. The 10 centimes denomination was introduced in large numbers to facilitate France’s growing commercial activity and its increasingly urban economy. It played a central role in the decimalized monetary system that had been adopted after the Revolution and was designed for everyday transactions involving small goods, fares, and services.
The obverse of the 1862 10 centimes coin features a right-facing bust of Napoleon III, adorned with a laurel wreath, symbolic of Roman authority and military triumph. The surrounding inscription reads “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR,” reaffirming the emperor’s sovereignty and his imperial status. The bust, engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre, is neoclassical in style, reflecting both contemporary artistic tastes and historical allusions to ancient Rome and the Napoleonic legacy. In VF condition, Napoleon’s facial structure, hair, and the laurel leaves remain clearly visible, though some smoothing is evident on the high points, such as the cheek and upper wreath area.
The reverse displays a large imperial eagle, wings outstretched and talons gripping a thunderbolt, evoking the martial and administrative strength of the empire. The eagle stands within the legends “EMPIRE FRANÇAIS” at the top and “10 CENTIMES” at the bottom. Beneath the denomination lies the date “1862,” and directly under that is the “BB” mintmark identifying the Strasbourg Mint. The reverse design powerfully communicates imperial identity, projecting stability and unity under Napoleon III. In VF grade, the eagle’s silhouette remains bold, with visible primary feathers and shape, although finer feather details are flattened from circulation. The inscriptions are fully legible and well-defined.
KM#798.2 in the Krause-Mishler catalog classifies this as the 10 centimes bronze issue with the laureate head and imperial eagle, struck at mints other than Paris. The coin has a diameter of approximately 30 millimeters and weighs around 10 grams, giving it a substantial presence in hand. Struck in solid bronze with a plain edge, the coin was intended to endure the rigors of daily commerce. Its size and weight made it easily recognizable and a useful piece for transactions, particularly in working-class and rural environments where small change played an essential role in daily economic life.
The Strasbourg Mint, identified by the “BB” mintmark, was one of several regional French mints operating under the centralized administration of the Monnaie de Paris. Located in Alsace, it played a critical role in providing coinage to eastern regions of France. Coins with the BB mark are a favorite among collectors pursuing mintmark sets or studying regional production patterns. While 10 centimes coins were issued in large numbers, Strasbourg’s issues are somewhat less common than Paris Mint (“A”) coins and often exhibit slight differences in strike or tone due to varying die conditions and metal compositions.
The 10 centimes denomination was equivalent to one-tenth of a franc and functioned as a critical unit in France’s economic system. As France industrialized and urbanized, reliable small-denomination coinage became increasingly vital for the functioning of public transport, postal systems, retail trade, and wage payments. This coin would have been used frequently in local markets, by artisans, and in cafes and small shops across France. Its bronze composition made it cost-effective and long-wearing, though it was subject to heavy use and thus often survives today in worn or corroded condition. VF examples like this one offer a cleaner, more complete view of the coin’s original design.
In a Very Fine grade, the coin shows balanced wear from moderate circulation. On the obverse, Napoleon III’s features are still clearly recognizable, with all lettering intact and the outline of the wreath still visible, though flattened in spots. On the reverse, the eagle’s posture, claws, and thunderbolt remain identifiable, with some loss of fine feathering. The fields are typically smooth with honest wear and without significant damage, corrosion, or pitting. The coin often exhibits a warm brown tone with possible hints of reddish or chocolate patina—typical for 19th-century bronze coins that have aged naturally without cleaning or alteration.
Coins such as the 1862BB 10 centimes are popular with collectors of Second Empire coinage, Napoleonic iconography, and 19th-century European minors. They are also valued for their artistic merit and political messaging. The use of the eagle and laurel crown on a bronze coin is deliberate: even the smallest denominations in Napoleon III’s coinage program bore symbols of state strength, unity, and legitimacy. This emphasized the reach of imperial authority into the hands of every citizen. The combination of design and function gives this coin a rich dual character—both a tool of commerce and a vehicle for imperial identity.
Historically, the year 1862 was a time of outward confidence for the Second Empire. France was engaged in colonial expansion and global diplomacy, with Napoleon III preparing to deepen French involvement in Mexico. Domestically, France was booming industrially, building railroads, telegraphs, and expanding public works in Paris and other cities. This 10 centimes coin thus circulated widely during a time of economic vitality and political assertion, playing a quiet but vital role in everyday life while symbolizing the grandeur of the empire.
The Certified France 10 Centimes 1862BB KM#798.2 in Very Fine condition is a robust, historic, and visually pleasing coin. It offers a compelling combination of imperial symbolism, functional craftsmanship, and numismatic value. Whether collected as part of a French type set, a Napoleonic-themed collection, or a study of mintmark varieties, this VF coin serves as a durable and evocative relic of France’s Second Empire. It stands as both a useful artifact and a testament to the reach and ambition of Napoleon III’s government, echoing the imperial ideals that shaped French coinage during this fascinating period in European history.