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Napoleon III was elected president of the newly formed Second Republic in 1848 following the revolution that year. In 1852, he was proclaimed emperor. His regime was noted for its prosperity and stability but France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 led to Napoleon III's exile and the establishment of the Third Republic.

France has produced 20 Franc gold coins since Napoleon I's reign as First Consul. The earliest such coins were dated ANXI, AN12, AN13, and AN14. When the design was changed in 1806, the gold coin began showing the date in Arabic Numerals. Napoleon III French 20 Francs were minted between 1852 and 1870.

VERSION I

The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Napoleons face looking to the right. The reverse side shows the value of the coin (20 Francs) and the date (1852) surrounded by shield with an eagle in the center and swords entering into the top.

VERSION II

Version II says "Napoleon III" on the obverse side, and "French Empire" in French on the reverse.

VERSION III

Version III went into production in 1860, and features Napoleon III wearing a wreath. All other designs on the coin are nearly identical to Version II. This production ran until his ouster from failing to help defend Austria from Prussia in 1870 which led to the Franco-Prussian War.