France 1929 100 francs Maz-2539
This specimen was lot 30188 in Heritage sale 3097 (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $18,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"France: Republic gold Essai 100 Francs 1929 MS65 NGC, Paris mint. By André Lavrillier. An exceedingly rare Essai of which the Standard Catalog reports that a mere 15 examples were struck, of which this is currently tied for the joint finest at NGC. Showcasing a definitive Specimen-quality strike with Prooflike reflectivity and lightly frosted devices, despite its standard business-strike assigned grade, we feel that this coin is deserving of a special designation. One of fewer than 5 we have had the privilege to present, with the last example--an MS63--bringing $8400 in our January 2018 sale #3061. Ex. Heritage Auction #3004 (January 2009, Lot 21059)."
This coin is a prototype for a projected reintroduction of gold coinage after the devaluation of the franc by Poincaré in the late twenties. The mint held a design contest, which received entries by Bazor, Delamarre, Dropsy, Guilbert, La Fleur, Morlon, Turin, Jean-Vernon and Yencesse. Bazor's design won. There was a similar contest for the ten francs, which Turin won.
Recorded mintage: 15.
Specification: 6.55 g, 0.900 fine gold, 21 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: VG-5221, KM-E56, Maz-2539 (R4).
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Guilloteau, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, Colonies 1670-1942 et Metropole 1774-1942, Versailles, 1942.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, NYINC World Coins Platinum Night Auction 3097, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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