France: "Republic" gold Off-Metal Trial 5 Francs L'An 10 (1801-02)-A MS62 NGC,...

Description

An Extremely Rare French Trial Strike

"Republic" gold Off-Metal Trial 5 Francs L'An 10 (1801-02)-A MS62 NGC, Paris mint, cf. KM639.1 (for silver striking), Gad-563a, Maz-562 (R6). By Augustin Dupré. An extraordinarily rare gold 'essai-type' trial issue, this golden jewel was produced during the early years of Napoleon Bonaparte's First Consulate while the aspirant future emperor was still seeking to maintain the facade of the Republic so sought under the ideals of the French Revolution. A pleasant honey-gold in color, the fields can be seen to have taken on a russet red-orange hue around the protected regions of the devices. While some slight weakness in strike is detectable around 10 o'clock on the reverse together with some scattered handling marks throughout, it does not distract from the overall appeal of this specimen. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire such a superior piece--currently the only example certified by NGC. For reference, an uncertified example hammered for just under $190,000 in Künker's February 2016 Auction #271 (Lot 499), and as such, we expect this incredible offering to generate increased interested amongst the French collecting community.

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 37mm

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

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