France 1996 500 francs KM-1143
This specimen was lot 1448 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €1,550 (about US$2,134 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Cinquième République (1959-), AV 75 euro/500 francs, 1996. Grand-Place de Bruxelles. Flan poli. (republic of France, fifth republic, since 1959, gold 75 euro/500 francs of 1996, for the Grand Plaza of Brussels. Proof.)"
This design was also issued in platinum (KM 1143a). This double denomination was also used for KM 1128, KM 1129, KM 1130, KM 1131, KM 1141, KM 1151, KM 1152, KM 1153, KM 1154, KM 1157, KM 1315 and KM 1316. The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Recorded mintage: 5,000 proofs plus 2,000 in platinum.
Specification: 17 g, 0.920 fine gold. KM 1143a is 20 g, 0.999 fine platinum.
Catalog reference: KM 1143 (gold), KM 1143a (platinum).
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, 1789-2019, 24me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2019.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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