FRANCE - FRANCE Second Empire / Napoleon III (1852-1870). Test of 50 centimes laurelled head (bee / anchor) 1864, E, Paris. Av. (different) NAPOLEON III - EMPEROR (different). Head laureate left; below signature BARRE. Rv. FRENCH EMPIRE. Crown, below 50 CENT. (date) and (workshop). G.417 - Maz - (cf. 1683, two anchors) - VG.3659 (bee / anchor); Silver - 2.49 g - 17.7 mm - 6 h This is the second highest grade! From the sale MDC 11 n° 1093. NGC MS 63 (6633790-030). Smooth edge. With bee and anchor: poorly reported in reference works but Gadoury, 2023, illustrates the two tests, page 203, with two anchors, and with bee and anchor! With a grey patina with golden highlights. Superb at Fleur de coin.