Cattaro 1813 10 Francs Dav-45
This specimen was lot 33262 in Heritage ANA Signature Sale 3094, Long Beach, August 2021), where it sold for $12,000 including buyers fees. The catalog description[1] noted, "Montenegro, Cattaro. French Occupation Siege Cast 10 Francs 1813 AU53 NGC. A seldom-seen and highly elusive siege issue of 10 Francs, produced by the occupying French forces in the Montenegrin port city of Cattaro, modern day Kotor. Occurring over the course of just three months and culminating in the surrender of 600 French troops and relinquished control to Allied forces, it is quite surprising to see any survivors extant, let alone a pair of the large denomination from a series including 1 and 5 Francs. While primitive in nature, with crude lettering and an abundance of planchet imperfections, collectors can take interest in its method of manufacture and the history surrounding its necessity. Gunmetal patination abounding and lightly reflective, this piece should excite those interested in both Montenegrin and Napoleonic emissions and presents a rare opportunity to acquire the scarcest of this obsidional type." A one franc and a five francs also exist.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 59.54-59.57 g, cast silver, 44-46 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Dav-45; KM-3, Pag-291a, VG-2314, CNI-VIb.1.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, ANA WFOM World & Ancient Coins Platinum Night Signature Auction #3094, featuring the Cape Coral Collection, the WTR Collection and the Monaco Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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