Obverse: the coin depicts Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte with the crown of Laurus wreaths, surrounded by the Latin legend "NAPOLEON EMPEREUR." (Eng. Emperor Napoleon). Below the bust is a coin engraved by Jean-Pierre Droz sign.
Reverse: the center of the coin bears the denomination "40 FRANCS" surrounded by a laurel wreath and the words "EMPIRE FRANCAIS" (eng. French Empire) engraved around it. At the bottom, the year of mintage and the mintmark.
Edge: "DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE" (eng. God protect France).