Half Napoleon 10 Francs Gold Rooster & Marianne – 3,23 g

372,30 €

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Description

History of the 10-franc Napoleon investment coin, or the half-Napoleon

The 10-franc Napoleon is also called the "half-Napoleon": it is, in fact, the equivalent of another well-known gold coin, the "Napoleon," which has a face value of 20 francs. The 10-franc Napoleon coin was minted from 1850 until 1914. Over these many years, the designs of this investment coin were revised several times.

A gold coin that has stood the test of time.

Like the vast majority of coins, the reverse of the 10 franc Napoleon coin bears the face value and the year of minting.

Although this coin is nicknamed the "half-Napoleon," its minting actually began a few years before the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. The minting of the 10-franc Napoleon coin began as early as 1850. While this date marks the beginning of the coin's history, its design would be modified six times.

Note that the name "half-Napoleon" given to the 10-franc gold coin can be misleading: the emperor's effigy has not always appeared on these gold coins. This is simply due to history: the first coin bearing the name "Napoleon" was minted in 1850, when France was a Republic. This investment coin actually derives its name from the fact that the largest mintage was produced during the emperor's reign.

This first edition was therefore quite different from subsequent ones; the obverse featured a laureate Marianne in profile, accompanied by the words "République française" (French Republic). This coin, bearing such symbols, was minted for only two years, between 1850 and 1851, until the empire was re-established.

The evolution of the 10 franc Napoleon investment coin

It was only in 1854 that the name 10-franc Napoleon coin was minted again. Little changed on the reverse of the investment coin; the inscription "French Empire" replaced any reference to the Republic. On the obverse, Marianne was replaced by a representation of Napoleon III, with his name around the edge.

Metal: Gold - Weight: 3,23 g – Title (Purity): 900‰ – Diameter: 19mm

The 10 Francs Napoleon is one of the best-selling coins in France

Following Napoleon's death and the fall of the Empire, the coins minted, while still bearing Napoleon's name, saw the emperor's face disappear, replaced by Marianne. The Republican motto was reinstated. From 1899 to 1914, the year in which the minting of Napoleon coins ceased, a rooster was featured on the reverse of these coins. This explains the coin's name, "Napoleon Rooster."

Despite this journey through history, the intrinsic characteristics of the half-Napoleons have varied little: a diameter of 19 millimeters and a weight of 3 grams.

20 Francs Rooster and Marianne

Applicable taxation

Investment gold is exempt from VAT on purchase, article 298 sexdecies A of the French General Tax Code. On resale, you choose between the flat-rate tax on precious metals, at the rate of 11,5%, and the regime for real capital gains, at the rate of 36,2%, upon proof of purchase, with a discount of 5% per year of detention starting from the 3rd^e year. General information updated as of August 10, 2026; this does not constitute personalized tax advice.

Gold taxation in detail

Delivery, collection and pickup

Free insured delivery in discreet packaging, requiring a signature upon receipt. Free collection from one of our branches in France and Belgium, by appointment, upon presentation of an identity document and your order confirmation.

We will collect this item at any time during the day, upon presentation of an identity document and your invoice. Payment for the collection is made by bank transfer. The examination will be conducted in your presence: identification, weighing, and a written breakdown of the calculations. Our gold buyback service.

F.A.Q

Who is GOLDMARKET?

GOLDMARKET is a family-owned and independent company specializing in precious metals. We assist individuals, investors, and wealth holders in buying and selling physical gold through our branches in France and Belgium. Every transaction is conducted in your presence: hallmark verification, weighing, and a detailed written calculation, regardless of whether you decide to proceed with the transaction.

Napoleon, Louis d'or, 20 francs: are they the same coin?

In common usage, yes. "Napoleon" and "Louis d'or" both refer to the French 20-franc gold coin, regardless of the portrait—Napoleon III, Ceres, Genius, or the Rooster of Marianne. They share the same weight and fineness and trade at the same price. The portrait does not change the amount of gold it contains.

Does wear and tear decrease its value?

These coins have been in circulation, often for over a century: signs of wear are normal and do not detract from their investment value. Weighing them remains the sole determining factor, and we will point out to you upon examination any specimen whose weight deviates from the acceptable range. The delivered specimen is selected in good overall condition; the year may vary depending on availability.

Is this document still legal tender?

No, it no longer has legal tender status. This does not, however, remove its status as investment gold: Article 298 sexdecies A of the French General Tax Code requires that it have been legal tender in its country of origin, not that it still be. Its value lies in its pure gold content and the premium the market commands.

What taxes apply to the resale?

When purchased, investment gold is exempt from value-added tax (VAT), according to Article 298 sexdecies A of the French General Tax Code. Upon resale, two tax regimes apply. The flat-rate tax on precious metals, at a rate of 11,5%, is levied on the sale price and requires no supporting documentation. If you can establish the date and price of acquisition, you may prefer the capital gains tax regime for the sale of movable property: the capital gain is reduced by a 5% allowance per year of ownership beyond the second year, and the sale is definitively exempt from VAT after the twenty-second year, according to Article 150 VC of the same code. We will explain both options to you before the transaction—please keep your invoice.

Are you buying back this part, and how is the transaction settled?

Yes, at any time, within our network of branches, during the day's trading hours. The transaction is conducted in your presence: identification, weighing, and a detailed calculation provided in writing, regardless of whether you decide to proceed with the transaction. Payment is made exclusively by bank transfer, upon presentation of a valid form of identification. We do not accept cash transactions, regardless of the amount, and we do not process anonymous trade-ins.

Can this part be collected from the branch, or does it need to be delivered?

Both options are available. Collection is free of charge from one of our branches in France and Belgium, by appointment, upon presentation of an identity document and your order confirmation. If you prefer delivery, it will be sent via insured and anonymous parcel, requiring a signature upon delivery.