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The France 2 Centimes 1862-K KM#796.6 coin is a small yet historically rich artifact from the era of the Second French Empire under Napoleon III. Minted in 1862 at the Bordeaux Mint, as indicated by the “K” mintmark, this bronze coin served as fractional currency in a growing industrial economy. The denomination of 2 centimes was part of the decimalized monetary system introduced during the French Revolution and continued throughout the 19th century. This example, certified in Extra Fine (XF) condition, exhibits sharp detail and strong preservation of its primary design elements, making it a desirable collectible for enthusiasts of 19th-century European coinage.
During the mid-19th century, France was governed by Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled as Emperor from 1852 to 1870. His reign marked a period of modernization and expansion, including significant reforms in transportation, infrastructure, and the economy. Coinage from this era reflects both the imperial ideology and the practical needs of a nation rapidly industrializing. Bronze coins such as the 2 centimes denomination were used in everyday transactions, providing necessary small change to the working classes. As a result, many were heavily circulated, and examples in higher grades like XF are less common today.
The obverse of the 1862 2 centimes coin features the right-facing bust of Napoleon III, wearing a laurel wreath. The inscription around the edge reads “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR,” with the date “1862” appearing at the bottom. The laureate head, engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre, was introduced in 1861 and continued to be used until the fall of the empire in 1870. The laureate style was reminiscent of classical Roman emperors, reinforcing Napoleon III’s imperial image and drawing visual parallels to his famous uncle. In XF condition, the fine lines of the laurel leaves, facial details, and lettering remain clear and sharp, reflecting minimal wear and excellent preservation.
The reverse design displays the denomination “2 CENTIMES” in the center, encircled by a detailed imperial eagle with wings spread wide. The eagle, a Napoleonic symbol of strength and conquest, is surrounded by the inscription “EMPIRE FRANÇAIS.” Below the eagle is the mintmark “K,” which corresponds to the Bordeaux Mint. The edge of the coin is smooth. In Extra Fine condition, the reverse still presents bold feathers on the eagle’s body and wings, with crisp detail in the surrounding text and minimal loss of relief. This level of detail allows collectors to appreciate the artistry and symbolism of the design fully.
KM#796.6 refers to this specific type in the Krause-Mishler Standard Catalog of World Coins. This classification includes the laureate head of Napoleon III, bronze composition, 2 centimes denomination, and reverse design featuring the imperial eagle. The coin has a diameter of 20 millimeters and weighs approximately 2 grams. It was struck in bronze, a durable alloy well-suited for small change and resistant to wear and corrosion over time. The Bordeaux Mint, active since the 9th century and producing coinage under numerous French regimes, was one of several provincial mints issuing centime denominations under the central authority of the Monnaie de Paris.
The 2 centimes coin of 1862 saw wide distribution, and millions were minted across multiple locations, including Paris (A), Lyon (BB), and Bordeaux (K). However, due to their small value, most were used extensively in daily commerce, leading to a high attrition rate and significant surface wear. As a result, coins in Extra Fine or higher grades are appreciably scarcer and more valuable than their worn counterparts. The XF grade indicates that this coin shows light wear only on the highest points, with nearly full detail across both obverse and reverse. Traces of original luster may also remain in the protected areas.
The 2 centimes denomination was part of the decimal monetary system introduced after the Revolution, wherein 100 centimes equaled 1 franc. By 1862, this system was well-established in French economic life. These small coins played an essential role in enabling everyday transactions such as purchasing bread, newspapers, or paying for streetcar fares. Their widespread use underscores their importance in the daily life of ordinary French citizens during a period of national rebuilding and transformation. The size and weight were optimized for durability and handling, which explains their prevalence in circulation, yet relative scarcity in higher grades.
Coins like this 1862-K example also appeal to collectors interested in mintmark varieties and regional production differences. Mintmark collecting has long been a subfield within numismatics, and the “K” mark from Bordeaux offers a regional flavor to a broadly issued national coin. The Bordeaux Mint was known for its precision and production quality, and coins from this facility often exhibit sharp strikes and even wear patterns, particularly when preserved in grades such as XF. Studying these coins also sheds light on the decentralized structure of minting in 19th-century France, where regional mints worked under national guidelines but retained distinct identifiers.
The historical context of the 1862 2 centimes adds another layer of value for collectors. It was issued during a time when Napoleon III was at the height of his power, yet the political climate in Europe was volatile. The emperor’s foreign adventures, including the ill-fated intervention in Mexico, and the growing pressures from Prussia would eventually lead to the Franco-Prussian War and the downfall of the Second Empire in 1870. As such, coins of this period, especially those bearing the imperial iconography of Napoleon III, are also appreciated as symbols of an empire nearing its end, capturing a complex and turbulent time in European history.
The Certified France 2 Centimes 1862-K KM#796.6 in Extra Fine condition represents an attractive, high-quality example of 19th-century French small coinage. With its well-preserved bust of Napoleon III, crisp imperial eagle, and strong detail, it offers collectors a meaningful connection to the everyday economic life and grand political narratives of the Second Empire. Whether pursued for its historical resonance, regional mintmark, or artistic execution, this coin stands out as a compact but rich addition to any European or world coin collection focused on the 1800s.