This is the French version of an international coinage which is related to J656-J659/P729-P732. It is a $5 / 25 Franc Gold pattern designed by Albert D. Barre with laureate Bust facing left of Napoleon III. It is known as VG3703 and also Maz1745. VG = "Monnaies Francaises * Colonies 1670 - 1942 * Métropole 1774 - 1942." Published Versailles, 1942 by Victor Guilloteau Maz = Histoire Monetaire Et Numismatique Contemporaine 1790 - 1967, Tome II published Paris 30 Sept 1967 by Jean Mazard Companion pieces include a 10 Florin / 25 Franc piece VG3702 and MAZ1746 in gold which is illustrated below and also a silver one franc / ten pence piece. Great Britain produced a double florin / 5 franc piece, WR372 (Wilson and Rasmussen) that is illustrated below which is similar in size to our gold dollar. This example is courtesy of American Numismatic rarities from the April 2005 Eliasberg sale. A new book has been written by Steven Reti which discusses some of the history surrounding these pieces. For more information click here. Photos courtesy of David Cassel.