Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 1/2 Franc 1809-1814, KM# 691, France, Napoleon Bonaparte
  • 1/2 Franc 1809-1814, KM# 691, France, Napoleon Bonaparte
Description

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars. As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814, and again briefly in 1815 (during the Hundred Days). Napoleon dominated European and global affairs for more than a decade while leading France against a series of coalitions in the Napoleonic Wars. He won most of these wars and the vast majority of his battles, building a large empire that ruled over continental Europe before its final collapse in 1815. One of the greatest commanders in history, his wars and campaigns are studied at military schools worldwide. Napoleon's political and cultural legacy has endured as one of the most celebrated and controversial leaders in human history.

Engraver: Pierre-Joseph Tiolier

Obverse

Laureate bust of Napoleon I right, engraver's signature below.

NAPOLEON EMPEREUR.
Tiolier

Reverse

Denomination in words within wreath. The date below with mintmarks before and after.

EMPIRE FRANÇAIS.
DEMI
FRANC.
1812.

Edge

1/2 Franc

1st Empire
KM# 691 Gadoury# 399
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 2.5 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 691.1, KM# 691.2, KM# 691.3, KM# 691.4, KM# 691.5, KM# 691.6, KM# 691.7, KM# 691.8, KM# 691.9, KM# 691.10, KM# 691.11, KM# 691.12, KM# 691.13, KM# 691.14, KM# 691.15, KM# 691.16
Mints
Bayonne Mint (L)
Bordeaux Mint (K)
Genoa Mint (CL)
La Rochelle Mint (H)
Lille Mint (W)
Limoges Mint (I)
Lyon Mint (D)
Marseille Mint (MA)
Nantes Mint (T)
Paris Mint (A)
Perpignan Mint (Q)
Rouen Mint (B)
Strasbourg Mint (BB)
Toulouse Mint (M)
Turin Mint (U)
Utrecht Mint

Related coins

2nd Kingdom

Silver, 2.5 g, ⌀ 18 mm
5th Republic, Signature "O. Roty"

Nickel, 4.5 g, ⌀ 19.5 mm