France 1837-W 2 francs
This specimen was lot 1709 in Jean Elsen sale 147 (Brussels, June 2021), where it sold for €440 (about US$643 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Louis-Philippe (1830-1848), AR 2 francs, 1837W, Lille. Petits coups. Patine colorée. Superbe à Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of France, Louis Philippe, 1830-48, silver two francs of 1837, Lille mint. Minor nicks, colorful patina, Extremely Fine - Uncirculated.)"
This type was struck during the reign of Louis Philippe of France (1830-48) from numerous mints. The specimen shown is from Lille and is slightly scarce. It is priced[2] about 80% higher in VF than the commonest date (1847-A). Many issues of this type are known from a handful (<10) of examples. The type is not difficult to find but is expensive in high grade. All two francs issued prior to 1859, including this one, were demonetized in 1869 to make way for the succeeding issue which was only 0.835 fine.
Recorded mintage: 229,900[2], a slightly scarce date.
Specification: 27 mm diameter, 10 grams, 0.900 fine silver. Designed by Joseph François Domard, 1792-1858.
Catalog reference: KM 743.13, F.260/68, Gad-520.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, 1789-2019, 24me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2019.
- [2]Prieur, Michel, and Laurent Schmitt, Le Franc 10: Les Monnaies, Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 147: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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