France: Napoleon gold Proof Medallic Essai "Paris Mint Visit" 5 Francs L'An XI (1803) PR62+ NGC,...

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$132,000.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

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Striking Near-Gem Gold "Paris Mint Visit" Essai

Napoleon gold Proof Medallic Essai "Paris Mint Visit" 5 Francs L'An XI (1803) PR62+ NGC, Maz-629 (R5), VG-1204. Reeded edge. By Tiolier. Commemorating Napoleon's visit to the Paris mint on the 21st of Ventose, Year XI (March 12, 1803), this laudable offering combines near-gem preservation with an elite level of numismatic rarity to culminate in an object of the highest desirability for collectors of the French, and more specifically, the Napoleonic, series. Presenting Napoleon as First Consul of France, this historically important issue represents a near-identical adoption of the obverse from the regular circulation-series 5 Francs produced in year 11, with only minute changes, such as the style and placement of the engraver's initials below the Consul's bust. Gold strikes of this type are of extreme scarcity, and we have only been able to locate two other examples sold within the last decade. Blessed with a mirrorlike lustrous potency and displaying minute flan cracks that hold traces of old cabinet tone, the surfaces combine immense flash with carefully-chiseled detail to yield a superb presentation. Soft touches of amber coloration only add further visual allure to this immense rarity, designated "R5" by Mazard, and only occasionally appearing at auction to tremendous and universal collector enthusiasm.

Ex. Hess-Divo Auction 293 (October 2002, Lot 177); Likely Farouk Collection (Sotheby's February 1954, Lot 504), though the quality of the photographic plates makes a direct comparison difficult

From the Paramount Collection

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 35mm

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

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