France 2012 5000 euro KM-1928
This specimen was lot 1352 in Sincona sale 38 (Zürich, May 2017), where it sold for 3,750 CHF (about US$4,498 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"5. Republik, 1959- 5000 Euro 2012. Feingewicht total 75 Gramm. Im Originaletui. Polierte Platte. FDC. (France, Fifth Republic, since 1959, 5,000 euro of 2012, Pure gold weight total 75 grams, in original box with certificate, Choice Proof.)"
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. This massive gold coin celebrates liberty, equality and fraternity, the ever elusive ideals of France. This type was issued again in 2013. This specimen failed to realize its face value, suggesting that it has been demonetized.
Recorded mintage: 2,000.
Specification: 75 g, 0.999 fine gold, 2.408 oz AGW, 45 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 1928, Fr-V1.
- 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]Jürg Richter, Auction 38, Gold Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2017.
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