France 1855-A 20 centimes

Stack's Bowers 2025 NYINC sale, lot 31352

This specimen was lot 31352 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2025), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description^[1] noted, "FRANCE. 20 Centimes, 1855-A. Paris Mint. Napoleon III. PCGS PROOF-65. An EXTREMELY RARE proof striking, this minor glistens with resounding flair and majesty, offering an almond gray hue and standing as the sole representative in the PCGS census. Includes original collector's ticket." This type, the smallest silver coin of the decimal system, was struck 1853-63 and then reduced to 0.835 fine in 1864. This is a somewhat better date.

Recorded mintage: 361,989.

Specification: 1 g, 0.900 fine silver, 15 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Jacques-Jean Barré.

Catalog reference: F.148/4, KM-778.1; Gad-305.

Source:

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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2025 NYINC Showcase Auction, featuring the Richard Margolis Collection, Part III, and the Richard August Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.

Link to:

France 1855-A 20 centimes

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