NAPOLEON III, THE FRENCH VAMPIRE

Some numismatic items scream to be acquired. A few years ago, I saw a piece at Alliance Coins, in Almonte, that did just that, and immediately got it, even though I had no idea what the story behind it was. Simple research revealed the bare facts: it was a satirical medal that used distorted imagery from the circulating coinage, and was issued after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War. The loss was blamed on Emperor Napoleon III, who was captured in the battle of Sedan and deposed days later.

Is this the whole story? Is it just another piece similar to the "Diefenbucks" issued in Canada in the 1960s, after the devaluation of the Canadian dollar? Do we just chuckle and move on?

Deeper research tells another story. In fact, there are many stories. There is the story of the satirical piece, the story of Napoleon III, and the story of the Franco-Prussian War. Of course, all of them are intertwined, and this short article can only touch on them and perhaps whet your appetite to learn more.

For more information about Moneta and the Ottawa Numismatic Society, see: ons-sno.ca

Since January 2012, moneta is the only entirely bilingual (English/French) numismatic publication in North America (before only 30% of the material was also published in French). It won first prize in the Best Local Numismatic Publication of the ANA in 2010.

It is published ten times a year and is distributed electronically. Membership is only 12 CAD. Soon after the publication year ends, a library-quality hardbound book is prepared and published in full colour on 80-lb acid freed paper (letter size). The 2011 edition will have 408 pages.

For more information please contact the Ottawa Numismatic Association's president at president@ons-sno.ca.

Wayne Homren, Editor

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