France: Louis XVI gold Essai Ecu "de Calonne" 1786-A UNC Details (Scratches) NGC,...

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Magnificent Gold Essai Ecu of Louis XVI

Louis XVI gold Essai Ecu "de Calonne" 1786-A UNC Details (Scratches) NGC, Paris mint, KM-Unl., VG-92 (not illustrated, though possibly this coin), Ciani-2204 (same). 47.75gm. By Jean-Pierre Droz. Edge: DOM|INE |SALV|UM F|AC R|EGEM (and | through fleur after REGEM), impressed from six-part collar. The so-called "de Calonne" Essai type, named after the Controller-General of Finances in this period, Charles Alexandre de Calonne. Though sometimes encountered in silver, we have been unable to locate another example struck in gold, confirming that this is either unique (as supposed in the original Farouk catalog), or one of only a few extant as such. Clearly struck as a Proof, the fields are imbued with a glasslike reflectivity, readily apparent beneath only mild handling. Shallow, scattered scratches result in the technical grade assigned, but in no way affect the overall desirability of this rare offering.

Often considered to be Droz's absolute masterpiece, the Ecu de Calonne can be credited with initiating his recognition by English manufacturer Matthew Boulton, who sought the Swiss engraver's help in improving the quality of his own coins and medals. The nature of this relationship, as well as the Ecu de Calonne's position in it, is perhaps best related by a 1988 British Numismatic Journal article from Richard Margolis (entitled "Matthew Boulton's French Ventures of 1791 and 1792; Tokens for the Monneron Frères of Paris and Isle de France"), where he writes: "In December 1786, accompanied by James Watt, Boulton traveled to France, primarily on steam engine business. In Paris, the partners met Jean-Pierre Droz, a Swiss engraver and technician, and Boulton became enormously impressed by Droz's mechanical and engraving skills, so evident in his Pattern six livres of Louis XVI, familiarly known as the écu de Calonne, a handsome piece, with its SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM [sic] lettered edge applied at the moment of striking by means of a six-segmented collar" (pg. 102).

While those familiar with the history of the famous collection of King Farouk of Egypt will be well-aware that he had commissioned many off-metal Patterns especially for himself, such does not seem to be the case here. Not only are records of a gold off-metal striking provided by Guilloteau and Ciani, but the coin at hand also presents the six-part collar typically associated with original strikings (restrikes occur with plain edges and collars in as few as three parts). As such, it seems to us that it can only be regarded as a very prestigious product of the time. According to our research, an example in gold was missing from Delombardy's 1848 catalog of M. Rignault's collection, with the Bibliothèque nationale de France and other museums in Paris apparently also not containing a specimen.

Ex. Farouk Collection (Sotheby's February 1954, Lot 496)

From the Paramount Collection

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 41mm
AGW: 1.69oz

More information about French Coins. See also: France World Coin Nationality.

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