France 1740-P sol

Heritage sale 61259, lot 99292

This specimen was lot 99292 in Heritage sale 61259 (Dallas, TX, February 2022), where it sold for $1,020. The catalog description^[1] noted, "France: Louis XV Sol (1/2 Sou Marqué) 1740-P MS63 NGC Dijon mint. An elite example of the type, certified at the esteemed choice level of preservation, with darkened devices contrasting against satiny silver luster throughout the fields. Currently the sole example graded by NGC, and unlikely to be exceeded in certified quality for the foreseeable future as a conditionally high-end survivor." This coin, called a sol aux 2 L couronnés, was an attempt by the government of France to displace all the low grade silver pieces circulating since the time of Louis XIII. It was theoretically equal to 12 deniers but was actually worth much less. Most survivors today are in poor condition. The type was struck 1739-48 with nearly all the production occurring on 1740. Droulers^[2] estimates the total production of this type to be around 2.3 million, compared to 81 million for the double sol.

Recorded mintage: 62,272, a somewhat scarce date^[2].

Specification: 1.09 g, 0.250 fine silver, 17-19 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by J.-C. Röettiers.

Catalog reference: Dr/2 № 597, Dr/4 № 861, KM 501.9, Vlack-310 (R6).

Source:

^[2]Droulers, Frédéric, Répertoire General des Monnaies de Louis XIII à Louis XVI (1610-1792), 4e édition. Paris: AFPN, 2009.
Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Royales Françaises, 1610-1792, 5me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2018.
Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
^[1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, The Long Island Collection of French Coins Showcase Auction #61259, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.

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France 1740-P sol

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