France 2010 500 euro KM-1710
This specimen was lot 30113 in Heritage sale 3107 (Chicago, May 2023), where it sold for $12,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "France. Republic gold Proof "Pablo Picasso" 500 Euro (5 oz) 2010 UNC, Paris mint. A visually engaging representative of this modern, large-format gold issue, struck in celebration of Pablo Picasso. This expansive rectangular issue displays a portrait of the artist to the obverse and reverse featuring his iconic "Affiche Vallauris, faune," perfectly frosted and instantly recognizable. Accompanied by the original case of issue and COA #53." The treaty which established the euro in 1999 gave specifications for the one cent thru two euro coins which are legal tender throughout the European Union. Higher denominations are not legal tender and each country is free to issue commemoratives as it sees fit, a right the Paris mint has ruthlessly exploited. Other 500 euro issued in 2010 include KM 1642, 1687, 1692, 1697, 1706, 1712 (this design, struck in silver) and 1718.
Recorded mintage: 99.
Specification: 155.55 g, 0.999 fine gold, 53 x 37 mm.
Catalog reference: KM 1710.
- 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, 2001-Date, 13th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2018.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 May 3 - 5 CSNS World Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction #3107, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2023.
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