FRANCE - FRANCE Second Empire / Napoleon III (1852-1870). 5 francs tête laurée, type "à la mèche" 1861, A, Paris. Av. NAPOLEON III EMPEROR (workshop). Head laureate left, below signature BARRE. Rv. FRENCH EMPIRE. Imperial arms posed on a crowned mantle and broaching on the sceptre and the hand of justice, accosted by 5 - F; below (different) (date) (different). G.739 v. - F.331 - Le FRANC 2019, p.586 - BN CGB 37, pp.18-19 ; Silver - 25,01 g - 37 mm - 6 h PCGS MS62 (50535735). With the wick descending on the forehead. A tiny scratch on the cheek for an uncirculated specimen, carefully struck and covered with a delicate grey patina. Superb at Fleur de coin. Variety with the wick descending on the forehead, known for 1861 and 1862 [Le FRANC 2019, p.586 and BN CGB 37, pp.18-19].