France 1825-I 5 francs
This specimen was lot 2333 in Jean Elsen sale 160 (Brussels, November 2024), where it sold for €120 (about US$152 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Charles X (1824-1830), AR 5 francs, 1825 I, Limoges. Légèrement nettoyé. Très Beau. (kingdom of France, Charles X, 1824-30, silver five francs of 1825, Limoges mint. Lightly cleaned, very fine.)"
This type was struck during the reign of Charles X (1824-30) from numerous mints. The silver five francs of this regime are divided into two types, most easily distinguished by the position of MICHAUD's name near the base of the king's bust. The specimen shown is the first type and is a better date from the Limoge mint. Many of the 27 dates of this type are known from a handful (<10) of examples. The type is not difficult to find but is expensive in high grade.
Recorded mintage: 154,314[2].
Specification: 37 mm diameter, 25 grams, 0.900 fine silver, edge lettered DOMINE SALVUM FAC REGEM. Designed by Auguste François Michaut, 1786-1879.
Catalog reference: F.310/8, KM 720.6, Gad-643; Dav-88.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, 1789-2019, 24me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2019.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 160, Collection de deniers liegeois et Collection de monnaies d'or francaises, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
- [2]Prieur, Michel, and Laurent Schmitt, Le Franc 10: Les Monnaies. Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 2014.
- George Sobin, Jr., The Silver Crowns of France, 1640-1973. Teaneck, NJ: Richard Margolis, 1974.
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