France 1860-A 20 francs
This specimen was lot 29693 in Heritage sale 3040 (Chicago, April 2015), where it sold for $2,115. The catalog description[2] noted, "Napoleon III gold 20 Francs 1860-A MS66 NGC, Paris mint. Exceptional in every way, this silky example boasts clear fields and an exacting strike. A superb gem with plenty of appeal. This is the single finest example certified by NGC." This type is one of the most common gold coins in existence (146 million minted 1853-60) yet is very difficult to assemble in choice condition. An 1860/50 overdate exists but is scarce.
Recorded mintage: 10,170,634[1].
Specification: 6.45 g, 0.900 fine gold, 21 mm diameter, edge lettered DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE, designed by Jacques-Jean Barré.
Catalog reference: VG 1061; KM 781.1; Friedberg 573, F.531/18.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Prieur, Michel, and Laurent Schmitt, Le Franc 10: Les Monnaies, Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 2014.
- [2]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage Signature Auction 3040, featuring the Santa Maria, the Alan Dean and the Valley View Life Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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