1867 France Napoleon III 20 Centimes Silver Coin – CSIS MS62 BB Strasbourg Mint Highlights: 1. Issued in 1867, just prior to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War and the collapse of the Second Empire in 1870, carrying strong historical significance. 2. The Strasbourg Mint was annexed by Germany shortly after, making Second Empire "BB" silver issues among the final historical testimonies of this French border mint. 3. 1867 represents the early implementation period of the Latin Monetary Union (formed in late 1865). This coin reflects the international monetary standardization effort across Europe, where minor silver denominations were reduced to .835 fineness to prevent cross-border melting and hoarding during gold-silver price fluctuations. Coin Story: Issued in 1867 during the late Second French Empire under the reign of Emperor Napoleon III. Beginning in the 1860s, Napoleon III's portrait transitioned from the earlier "Bare Head" (Tête nue) to the "Laurel Head" (Tête laurée), symbolizing military achievements and imperial glory. Additionally, under the Latin Monetary Union established in 1865, the silver purity of minor coins was standardized to .835 fineness. The "BB" mint mark on the coin designates the famous Strasbourg Mint (Atelier de Strasbourg). Located near the French-German border, Strasbourg was ceded to Prussia following France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), after which the mint permanently ceased operation. Thus, "BB" marked late-modern French coins carry a distinct historical turning-point significance.