Antique 18-karat Gold Brooch Featuring A 20-franc Napoleon III Coin From 1868 And Fine Pearls

Antique 18-karat gold brooch featuring a 1868 Napoleon III 20-franc gold coin and fine pearls

Elegant antique brooch in 18-karat yellow gold (750 parts per thousand), adorned in the center with a 20-franc gold coin bearing the effigy of Napoleon III, dated 1868.

Description

The obverse of the coin features the laureated profile of Emperor Napoleon III, accompanied by the inscription “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR” and the signature of the engraver Albert-Désiré Barre.

The reverse features the French imperial coat of arms, surrounded by the legend “EMPIRE FRANÇAIS,” along with the face value of 20 francs and the year 1868.
The coin is held in a circular claw setting, extended on either side by two thin openwork bars of yellow gold, each adorned with a small white pearl.
The piece as a whole presents an elegant and balanced composition, characteristic of Napoleon III-style jewelry, combining numismatics and jewelry-making.

Albert-Désiré Barre (1818–1878), chief engraver of the French mint from 1855 to 1878, was one of the great medalists of the Second Empire. He is notably the creator of the laurel-wreathed portrait of Napoleon III featured on this 1868 20-franc gold coin, on which the signature “BARRE” appears beneath the emperor’s bust.

Period: second half of the 19th century or early 20th century, subject to confirmation regarding the setting.
Material: 18-karat yellow gold setting (750 parts per thousand). 10.28 g
Coin: 20-franc gold Napoleon III, 1868. Gold (900 parts per thousand)
Decoration: two small white pearls.

Condition:

Appears to be in good condition, with slight signs of wear.

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