Coin France 2 Centimes Napoleon III - Nude Head - 1854 MA Marseille

Superb 2 centimes coin of the Bare Head type struck in Marseille (mint mark MA) in 1854, in the very first years of the Second Empire of Napoleon III (1852?1870). With a mintage of only 1,311,775 examples, the Marseille mint is one of the least productive of the series for this year ? compared to Paris (mint mark A) which struck several tens of millions of coins ? making this example of particular interest to collectors specialising in Second Empire coinage.

The obverse features the portrait of Napoleon III bare-headed facing right, with the inscription NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR and the mint mark MA. The reverse displays the denomination 2 CENTIMES within a wreath, with the legend EMPIRE FRANÇAIS and the date 1854. The edge is plain.

Coin strike. Demonetised upon the fall of the Second Empire in 1870.

Grade: EF+/AU ? lightly circulated coin, well-defined relief, attractive homogeneous bronze patina, slight traces of wear.