France L'AN 3 5 centimes
The first specimen was lot 43218 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2024), where it sold for $1,020. The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE. National Convention. Bronze 5 Centimes Essai (Pattern), Year 3 (1794/5). Paris Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-65 Brown. Plain edge. VERY RARE in such an elevated state of preservation, this diminutive Gem dazzles with rich red-brown surfaces and an exceptional strike. From the Richard Margolis Collection (acquired from Glendining on 26 June 1970). Ex: Glendining (6/1970) Lot # 620."
The second specimen was lot 43219 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2024), where it sold for $1,200. The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE. National Convention. Gilt Bronze 5 Centimes Essai (Pattern), Year 3 (1794/5). Paris Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-64. An unlisted variant in gilt bronze, this near-Gem dazzles with immense lustrous brilliance and a very sharp strike, with pale yellow hues dominating throughout. From the Richard Margolis Collection (acquired from Christensen at NYINC in New York City on 10 December 1978). Ex: Henry Christensen (12/1978) Lot # 208."
This is from a series of patterns made as the republican regime wrangled over what the new decimal coinage should look like. Eventually, in 1795, the Directory issued one and five centimes and one decime in copper but never adopted this design.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, 17 mm diameter, the first specimen 1.23 g.
Catalog reference: Maz-358 (R3); Guilloteau-443; Gad-121.(a).
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2024 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, featuring The Emilio M. Ortiz Collection, The Richard Margolis Collection and The Rutherford Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
- Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, 1789-2019, 24me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2019.
- Guilloteau, Victor, Monnaies Françaises, Colonies 1670-1942 et Metropole 1774-1942, Versailles, 1942.
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