A well-worn something [solved]

Going through a box of a relative's things I found this:



Diameter: 25.6mm
Thickness: 1.07mm

I'm sorry I don't have a weight right now, I'm working on getting a scale. I'd love any insight at all into it though. I love these old worn out coins. Thank you!

The portrait looks French, plus FRANC lettering seen lower left of first image.
Second image lettering looks like NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR 186?
I think first image is upside-down. The way it is currently I thought it
was a shield, but when inverted looks like outstretched wings of the eagle
on 5 Centimes, which matches the diameter.
1853-1857 https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces485.html NO
1861-1865 https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces486.html YES
which looks to be the second one, as a wreath added to portrait - like on yours.

Looks like
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces485.html

Oh you're right! I thought it was a crest or shield but now that I know to look for it I can find an eagle's head on there.

Thank you both, this is even cooler than I'd hoped for!

Thanks.


Those are the letters I can see, when image rotated, which those parts match
EMPIRE FRANÇAIS CINQ CENTIMES
lettering, and overall the coin looks like KM# 797 to me. Some time in early 1860's.

I agree, now that I've looked further. I wish I could see the date. All I can see is the top of a 1, part of an 8 and the top of a 6. The exact numbers I already know from your expert identification skills.

I may ask if I can pilfer this for myself.

Looks like
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces485.html

Quote: "ZacUK"​
​1861-1865 https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces486.html YES
​which looks to be the second one, as a wreath added to portrait - like on yours.

​Yes. It's called "laureate head"

I agree that it's the Laureate Head type.