Antique French sterling silver wine taster sommelier cup, tastevin. Inset at the base with an 1868 Emperor Napoleon III 5 franc coin. The obverse of the coin can be seen from the bottom of the tastevin surrounded concave "cupules", the exterior decorated with grapes and leaves. The handle is formed as a pair of intertwined snakes grasping an apple in their mouths as an allusion to the Garden of Eden. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her denoting a silver content of .950/1000 (95% silver and higher than the standard .925 for sterling silver). Bearing a marker's mark. Measures 4 1/8" length x 3 1/8" width x 1 1/8" height. Weighs 88g. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with use and age.