FRANCE - FRANCE Second Empire / Napoleon III (1852-1870). Essai de 2 francs tête nue, tranche lisse, par Barre, Flan bruni (PROOF) ND (1860), Paris. Av. NAPOLEON III - EMPEROR. Bare head left, below ESSAI between two anchors. Rv. EMPIRE - FRENCH. Imperial coat of arms on crowned mantle surmounted by sceptre and hand of justice, accosted by 2 - F; below ESSAI between two anchors. Maz.1654 - VG.3555 - G.525; Silver - 27 mm - 6 h Top Pop: the only graded example! NGC PF 63 (6916539-002). Blank burnished (PROOF) with a patina of iridescent bluish and greenish highlights. With TRIAL on the right and reverse, each with two anchors. Spectacular and in mint condition. Extremely rare. Corner flower. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.