Second Empire / Napoléon III (1852-1870). Essai de 100 francs tête laurée, Frappe spéciale (SP) 1862, E, Paris.

FRANCE Second Empire / Napoleon III (1852-1870). Gold pattern of 100 francs laureate head, Specimen (SP) 1862, E, Paris.
Obv. NAPOLEON III - EMPEREUR. Laureate head facing right, below (mint) and signature BARRE.
Rev. EMPIRE FRANÇAIS. Imperial coat of arms set on a crowned mantle and over the scepter and the hand of justice, 100 and FRs on the sides ; below (anchor) (date) (anchor).
G.1136 - Maz.1603 - VG.3613 ; Gold - 35 mm - 6h.
This is the second highest grade ! Only a SP67 example, MDC sale 9 n°735 (440 000€+fees) is in higher grade.
PCGS SP65CAM. Specimen with smooth edge and date between two anchors on the reverse. Mirror glazed fields and sandy reliefs give a Cameo aspect. Only some minor fingerprints on the obverse. Exceptional presentation quality, in its mint state, with a golden patina with barely greenish tones. Very rare.