File:Montenegro SB119-41243o.jpg

This specimen was lot 41243 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2019), where it sold for $2,160. The catalog description^[1] noted, "MONTENEGRO. Cattaro. 5 Franc, 1813. Napoleon I (1805-14). NGC AU-58. Dav-46; KM-2. "DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE" Crowned "N" (for Napoleon) flanked by "5 - F" (denomination) and according to Davenport, grenades beneath the "5 - F"; Reverse: "CATTARO EN ETAT DE SIEGE 1813" Sword, pistol and cannon at center, wreath around. Charming quality with full legibility in the design and pleasing gray coloration over the surfaces. An iconic Napoleonic crown. Cattaro, (now known as Kotor) was an important seaport in Montenegro that came under the jurisdiction of the Napoleonic Empire in 1807. In October 1813, a force of Montenegrins with the aid of the British fleet laid siege to the city. The siege lasted until the early days of January 1814 when the French capitulated. From the Collection of Dr. James Eustace Bizzell, II."