France Napoleon Bonaparte 10 Centimes

History

10 Centimes 1814-1815, KM# 700, France, Napoleon Bonaparte

Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)

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 Revolutionary Wars. As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 until 1814, and again in 1815. 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 ensured his status as one of the most celebrated and controversial leaders in human history.

This type was struck 1814-15 while Strasbourg was besieged by the Allies after the battle of Leipzig. This denomination is also known with a crowned "L" for Louis XVIII.

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Crown of Napoleon Monogram, signature Napoleon Bonaparte Tree, flower, plant etc. Oak Crowned monogram (pearled N) surrounded by an oak wreath. The Crown of Napoleon was a coronation crown manufactured for Napoleon and used in his coronation as Emperor of the French on December 2, 1804. Napoleon called this crown the "Crown of Charlemagne", which was the name of the ancient royal coronation crown of France that had been destroyed during the French Revolution. Napoleon's crown is made up of eight half-arches. They are set with shell cameos and carved carnelians which meet at a golden globe, on top of which is placed a cross. The crown itself is mock mediaeval in style, reliant totally on gold and metallic decoration and devoid of the major covering with diamonds and jewels fashionable in crowns made later in the 19th century. N
Reverse	Denomination (Decime = 10 centimes) at the centre in 4 lines, all encircled by oak branches. UN DÉCIME• 1814• BB
Edge	Plain