File:France H3040-29752o.jpg

This specimen was lot 29752 in Heritage sale 3040 (Long Beach, April 2015), where it sold for $23,500. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Republic gold 100 Francs 1896-A MS64 NGC, Paris mint, KM832, Fr-590, Gad-1137. Mintage: 400. Very close to a full Gem, this coin showcases smooth, semi-prooflike fields that immediately capture the eye. Prolonged inspection confirms sharp detail throughout, with light toning accents here and there. A couple trivial ticks, one on the genius' hip, as well as one on the constitution, very likely prevented the next grade. While this rare date is offered rather infrequently, we were fortunate enough to sell another NGC MS64 (the only other MS64 graded by NGC) in our 2014 ANA auction that brought $34,075. Given the comparable, if not superior appearance of the present coin, we can only anticipate similar interest for this awesome French rarity. From The Baron Collection."