Obverse: the French Emperor Charles Louise Napoleon III is depicted on the coin, surrounded by the Latin legend "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR". The bottom of the coin is the engraver's signature "BARRE".
Reverse: the centre of the coin features the "5 FRANCS" denomination and the year of the coin withdrawal, the entire composition is surrounded by laurel wreaths, and the words "EMPIRE FRANÇAIS" are put around them. The bottom of the coin mint sign.
Edge: ribbed.