The Gold n Pawn

Coins Napoleon

I Love Touring Paris – the Sixth Arrondissement

The sixth arrondissement of central Paris is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River. Its area is a bit more than a square mile (over 2 square kilometers) with a population of 45,000 and slightly fewer jobs. Along with its neighbor the 5th arrondissement, the 6th is often known as the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) although it’s been a long time since you can hear much spoken Latin in either district. Its best-known part is the famous Saint-Germain-des-Pres. In the years following World War II this was the intellectual center of the world; home to philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Later on we’ll talk about the district’s world-famous cafes that they frequented.

On the subject of intellectuals, this arrondissement is home to l’Academie Francaise (the French Academy), the watchdog over the French language. Personally I’m a strong believer in keeping the French language French and avoiding Franglais. The Academy was founded in 1635 by Louis XIII’s famous chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu. It was suppressed by the French Revolution but brought back by Napoleon. The academy is an advisory body with no power to punish the many people and institutions that disrespect the French language. It holds only forty seats, some of which may be vacant waiting for a candidate acceptable to the sitting members. Normally membership is for life but some malfaiteurs (wrong doers) have been expelled; for example, given their association with the collaborationist Vichy regime during World War II.

Since its inception the Academy has accepted a mere four female members, starting with the writer Marguerite Yourcenar elected in 1980. Some very famous writers including Moliere, Zola, and Proust never achieved membership. Male members, except for clergy, get to wear a sword with their Academy outfit. In 1778 the Academy initiated a historical dictionary of the French language. It abandoned the project before getting to the Bs. The Academy’s dictionary is partially in the ninth edition. The Academy Francaise has been fairly successful in persuading people to use French words such as logiciel instead of the corresponding English words, in this case software. It rules on grammar issues and offers prestigious prizes in literature, cinema, translation, and other fields.

The Cafe de Flore on the Boulevard Saint-Germain is a historic intellectual cafe and offers an annual literary award. The nearby cafe Les Deux Magots named for two wooden Chinese statues near the entrance is also a literary and intellectual center with its own annual literary award. It has been decades that these cafes are too expensive for all but the wealthiest intellectuals.

The French Senate is the upper house of the French Parliament. Until recently senators were elected for nine-year terms; now their terms are only six years. Senators are not elected by the general public but by one hundred fifty thousand local elected officials such as mayors and city councilors. The Senate tends to be more conservative than France’s lower house, the National Assembly. Besides proposing bills and voting on them the Senate publishes reports and so serves to monitor the government. The senate sits in the beautiful Palais du Luxembourg (Luxemburg Palace) in back of the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxemburg Gardens) the largest garden in the city. This spectacular garden is open to the public and is a favorite of young children and their parents.

If you are looking for a hotel in the sixth district you might consider the Art Deco Hotel Lutetia, built by the neighboring Bon Marche department store in 1910. Its guest list included Charles de Gaulle and Pablo Picasso. When World War II broke out many artists and musicians took residence there. After France’s surrender the hotel housed German military officers. Following the liberation of Paris in August, 1944 this hotel became a repatriation center for prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates. Subsequently it was transformed into a luxury hotel.

The Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) not only produces coins and medals, it has a great collection of ancient coins. This beautiful French Neoclassical building was constructed in the latter Eighteenth Century. It is open to the public but does not furnish samples.

When you get hungry you might consider the historic Cremerie-Restaurant Polidor, which hasn’t changed its name, interior, or cooking style for over one hundred years. Most patrons sit at shared tables so you may get a chance to converse with local students, especially if your French is good. Former diners include Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Jack Kerouac as well as major French writers.

You may remember from your high school French that Pont Neuf means new bridge. Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge across the Seine River in Paris. It crosses the western end of the Ile de la Cite linking Paris’s Left and Right Banks. Construction began in 1578 and was completed a mere 41 years later, in part because of the Wars of Religion. The original wooden pilings that support the foundations still remain. In contrast to previous Parisian bridges this one didn’t support houses. It did have sidewalks protecting pedestrians from mud and horses. For centuries the homeless have slept under its arches, despite its interdiction, in all fairness to both rich and poor. If you are a statue lover be sure to see the bronze statue of Henri IV, destroyed during the French Revolution but rebuilt afterwards using bronze from statues of Napoleon.

Saint-Sulpice is the second largest church in Paris, smaller than its well-known rival Notre Dame de Paris. This church, built from 1646 to 1732 and beyond replaces a Thirteenth Century Romanesque church. Detractors claim that its two towers are mismatched; why not take a look to see for yourself? It is home to a great organ. Saint-Sulpice Church has hosted life cycle events of some famous French people; for example the baptism of Charles Baudelaire and the Marquis de Sade, and the marriage of Victor Hugo and Adele Foucher. Saint-Sulpice has a huge sundial that helped to determine Easter’s calendar date. This scientific instrument may well have saved the church from destruction during the French Revolution. Saint-Sulpice is a featured location in the novel The Da Vinci Code. But the church scenes of this movie were not filmed on location.

Of course you don’t want to be in Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food ‘ A Red Cotes du Rhone I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Fois Gras de Canard (Duck Liver Pate). For your second course savor Caillette (Pork-Liver Meat Loaf). And as dessert indulge yourself with Sorbet (Sherbert) and fresh fruit. Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.

About the Author

Over the years Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, and yet he prefers fine Italian, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and good company. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He loves teaching a variety of computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his Italian food website www.fooditalyfood.com.

Gold Coins of the Napoleon Era

Napoleon Bonaparte 40 Lire Italy Gold Coin 1808-1814 Lot of 6 – 2.238 oz. $4,484.95

12 A-UNC. 20 FRANC GOLD FRENCH NAPOLEON COINS DATED FROM 1855-69 $4,379.00

1857 A Napoleon III 100 Francs Gold Coin Very Rare NGC Huge Coin $2,350.00

Lot of 6 AU 1855-69 FRENCH NAPOLEON 20 Franc .900 gold coins Almost Uncirculated $2,329.00

1857 france napoleon iii gold COIN $1,430.28

Authentic Scarce Imperial France Napoleon III 1858- BB 50 Francs Gold Coin $1,350.00

RARE 1811A 40 FRANCS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE GOLD coin MINTAGE ERROR A OVER ROOSTER $1,295.00

NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN_1857_20 FRANCS PIECE IN 14K BEZEL PENDANT_7.7 GRAMS_NICE $1,290.00

AN 12 A FRANCE NAPOLEON EMPEREUR GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERT GENUINE MEGA RARE $1,133.95

RARE 40 FRANCS GOLD coin AN13 (1804) Napoleon Bonaparte $1,090.00

Napoleon Sovrano Dell’elba (1814-1815) gold coin and pearl bracelet in a set $1,000.00

1808-A GOLD France Napoleon 20 Franc Coin PCGS AU55 (Very rare POP 3) $999.00

AN13 (1804) France Napoleon 40 FRANCS GOLD coin NGC VF30 $945.00

AN 12 A FRANCE NAPOLEON CONSUL GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIF GENUINE MEGA RARE $908.95

1814 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED MEGA RARE $886.45

1808 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS ICG CERTIF GENUINE GRADED V.SCARCE $886.45

1811 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $850.00

1812 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $850.00

1811 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $850.00

1812 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $850.00

1811 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $850.00

1811 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $790.00

1812 GOLD 40 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON I, STUNNING COIN $780.00

1808 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED RARE GEM $728.95

1813 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED GORGEOUS $683.95

1813 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED LUSTROUS $683.77

1814 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS * NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED GEM $656.95

1815 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS * NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED SCARCE $638.95

1812 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS * NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED CHOICE $601.15

1811 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS * ICG CERTIF GENUINE GRADED CHOICE $601.15

1812 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS * NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED BLAZER $600.97

20 FRANCS 1806-A NAPOLEON BONAPART RARE GOLD COIN /6,45gr $600.00

france 1857 napoleon iii gold coin $542.52

Very rare french coin quart franc Napoleon I 1806 I $525.00

1813 A FRANCE NAPOLEON I GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS * NGC CERTIF GENUINE GRADED GEM $474.95

1855 FRANCE FRENCH 20 FRANCS 22K GOLD COIN EMPEROR NAPOLEON III BONAPARTE BUST $467.22

Rare 1812 Napoleon I 20 Franc Gold Coin $449.99

Rare 1813 Napoleon I 20 Franc Gold Coin $449.99

1812 GOLD 20 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON, STUNNING COIN $440.00

1869 BIG BB VARIETY FRANCE NAPOLEON GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERT GENUINE GRADED $422.95

FRANCE GOLD, NAPOLEON GOLD COIN, 20 FRANCS, 1810, A $419.00

1812 GOLD 20 FRANCS FRANCE, NAPOLEON, STUNNING COIN $419.00

Emperor Napoleon Ist 20 Gold francs 1813-A-VERY RARE Early date French coin-nice $409.99

1869 BB FRANCE NAPOLEON GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIFIED GENUINE GRADED SCARCE $395.95

FRANCE 5 FRANCS KM-787.1 GOLD COIN NAPOLEON III 1857 $380.00

Emperor Napoleon III 20 Gold francs 1865-A–VERY RARE CLASSIC OLDER GOLD COIN $369.99

Emperor Napoleon III 20 Gold francs 1867-A–VERY RARE CLASSIC OLDER GOLD COIN $359.99

FRANCE 20 FRANCS NAPOLEON CONSUL AN12A GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $355.30

Emperor Napoleon III 20 Gold francs 1856-A–VERY RARE CLASSIC OLDER GOLD COIN $354.99

Emperor Napoleon III 20 Gold francs 1857-A–VERY RARE CLASSIC OLDER GOLD COIN $354.99

Emperor Napoleon III 20 Gold francs 1858-A–VERY RARE CLASSIC OLDER GOLD COIN $354.99

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1866A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1813A NAPOLEON EMPEROR GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1812A NAPOLEON EMPEROR GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1864BB NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1859A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1810A NAPOLEON EMPEROR GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1858A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1856A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1853A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1869BB NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1857A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1868BB NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1865A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

FRANCE 20 FRANCS 1854A NAPOLEON III GOLD COIN AS SHOWN $332.64

*Lucernae* Scarce 5 francs silver coin. France. Napoleon. 1812-D. Lyon. EF. $325.00

1913 Germany 3 Marks SCARCE 90% SILVER Key Date THE DEFEAT OF NAPOLEON COIN $315.00

FRANCE 10 FRANCS GOLD COIN NAPOLEON III 1859 $299.00

Antique French Carved Mother of Pearl & Silk Coin Purse, c. 1860 Napoleon III $293.25

1869 BB FRANCE NAPOLEON GOLD COIN 20 FRANCS NGC CERTIFIED GENUINE GRADED SCARCE $260.00

GOLD COIN Napoleon III 1856 A France – Piece 5 Francs – Or Oro Rare Denomination $259.99

SUPERB NAPOLEON .900 SILVER COIN 1811 A (PARIS) 5 FRANCS $253.00

5 Francs Coin 1811 B Rouen Napoleon Bonaparte France $250.00

10 FRANCS 1855 NAPOLEON ІІІ 1852-1870 RARE GOLD COIN /3,20gr $240.00

10 FRANCS 1860 NAPOLEON ІІІ 1852-1870 RARE GOLD COIN /3,20gr $240.00

1913 Germany 2 Marks SCARCE SILVER Key Date THE DEFEAT OF NAPOLEON COIN $225.00

*Lucernae* Nice 5 francs silver coin. France. Napoleon Emperor. 1811-A. Paris $225.00

RARE Antique Napoleonic Coin Balance, + All Original “Système Usuel” Weights $224.46

1814 W FRANCE STATES ANTWERP BONAPARTE NAPOLEON 10 CENTIMES. RARE AND NICE COIN $205.48

1856A ~ “NAPOLEON III” 10 FRANCS ~ GOLD COIN ~ 156 YRS OLD ~ NEARLY 1/1O OZ.! $199.99

WoW! 1860 10 Francs Gold coin! Empire Francais Napoleon III $199.00

NAPOLEON II EMPEREUR 1869 5 FRANCS FRENCH SILVER COIN FOLDING KNIFE SCISSORS FI $195.00

1913 GERMANY 3 MARK SILVER COIN WILELM II 100 YEARS NAPOLEON GORGEOUS ** $189.99

France 2004 200 Years of Napoleon 1-1/2 Euro Silver Coin,Proof $175.00

FRANCE NAPOLEON III 1869-BB 5 FRANCS SILVER COIN, STRASBOURG MINT, XF/AU $175.00

Counter commemorating the landing of Napoleon Bonaparte at Frejus, 1799; obverse Photo Mugs Counter commemorating the landing of Napoleon Bonaparte at Frjus, 1799. Obverse Figure of the Roman god of good fortune. Legend BONUS EVENTUS. Reverse The Muiron, frigate, under sail, another astern, a ship and lighthouse in the distance. Legend ARRIVEE A FREJUS XVII . VENDRE AN VIII. Two hundred examples of this counter were struck for good luck for Napoleons card tables…..

Counter commemorating the landing of Napoleon Bonaparte at Frejus, 1799; reverse Photo Mugs Counter commemorating the landing of Napoleon Bonaparte at Frjus, 1799. Obverse Figure of the Roman god of good fortune. Legend BONUS EVENTUS. Reverse The Muiron, frigate, under sail, another astern, a ship and lighthouse in the distance. Legend ARRIVEE A FREJUS XVII . VENDRE AN VIII. Two hundred examples of this counter were struck for good luck for Napoleons card tables…..

Counter commemorating the translation of the body of Napoleon I, 1840; obverse Photo Mugs Counter commemorating the translation of the body of Napoleon I, 1840. Obverse Small head of the Emperor, laureate (right). Reverse View of the coffin being carried up from the quay in Paris, France standing in foreground, holding a spray of flowers and a festoon, receiving it; a ship in the offing firing a signal (right); a winged figure standing (left), Les Invalides behind; an eagle and clouds …

From the Louvre Courtyard – 24H x 18W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Place Foch, Ajaccio Et De Napoleon Statue – 36W x 24H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $51.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Ajaccio 1 – 60H x 40W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $87.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l…

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Medal commemorating the translation of the body of Napoleon from St Helena to from National Maritime Museum $24.99 Photo Puzzle, Medal commemorating the translation of the body of Napoleon from St Helena to. Medal commemorating the translation of the body of Napoleon from St Helena to Les Invalides, 1840. Obverse Head of the Emperor Napoleon I, laureate (left). Reverse Belle Poule, frigate, under sail, the castle of St Helena (right), tower of Les Invalides (left). Chosen by National Maritime Museum. 10×14 Pho…

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Medal commemorating Napoleon I and the building of the Arc de Triomphe; reverse from National Maritime Museum $24.99 Photo Puzzle, Medal commemorating Napoleon I and the building of the Arc de Triomphe; reverse. Medal commemorating Napoleon I and the building of the Arc de Triomphe. Obverse Head of Napoleon Laureate. Reverse The Arc de Triomphe. Chosen by National Maritime Museum. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to bo…

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Medal commemorating the Crimean War (1854-1856); obverse from National Maritime Museum $24.99 Photo Puzzle, Medal commemorating the Crimean War (1854-1856); obverse. Medal commemorating the Crimean War (1854-1856). Obverse Head of the Emperor Napoleon III (left). Legend L . NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR. Reverse Inscription. Chosen by National Maritime Museum. 10×14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5×7 affixed to box top….

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom $26.49 A brilliant and provocative biography of Franklin Roosevelt -written by a leading newspaper publisher and staunch conservative. Franklin Delano Roosevelt stands astride American history like a colossus, having pulled the nation out of the Great Depression and led it to victory in the Second World War. Elected to four terms as president, he transformed an inward-looking country into the greatest su…

Medallic history of Napoleon. A collection of all the medals, coins, and jettons, relating to his actions and reign. From the year 1796-1815 $16.13 This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continu…

John Tyler, the Accidental President $19.00 The first vice president to become president on the death of the incumbent, John Tyler (1790-1862) was derided by critics as “His Accidency.” Yet he proved to be a bold leader who used the malleable executive system to his advantage. In this biography of the tenth President of the United States, Edward P. Crapol challenges previous depictions of Tyler as a die-hard advocate of states’ rights, limi…