Watch List notes:

France, Third Republic (1871-1940). . Silver Matt Proof Pattern, 5 Francs ("Essai sur flan mat"), 1898, La Semeuse., Paris Mint, 24,99 g., .900 Silver, raised edge inscription. Ref. Maz. 2122 var., Gad. GEM131-1, KM-Pn99.. . EXTREMELY RARE, with only 75 struck.. . . An emblematic extremely rare cornerstone Matt Proof pattern for any classic French Third Republic's coin collections.. . . The Sower ("La Semeuse"), who is the goddess of agriculture, historically represented the 3rd French Republic wearing the Phrygian hat and disseminating seeds as an allegory of growing wealth. The iconic "Semeuse" was first designed by the famous engraver O. Roty around 1897 to decorate the silver coinage of the Third French Republic and later found again on the 1960 New Francs ("Nouveaux Francs"). . . The Sower by Roty is said to have inspired as well the design of the U.S. Walking Liberty. . . Extremely fine (SPL+), graded NGC PF63 Matte.. . . Recent similar auction prices realized include Hess-Divo AG auction 327, lot 363, sold for 11,000 CHF hammer price. Another, albeit in a better grade, sold in 2010 at Heritage's auction 3008, lot 21182 for 16,675$ and a 3rd one at Baldwin's (auction 95, lot 2016) for 9,000 British Pounds hammer price.. NGC PF63 Matte ("Essai SPL+ sur flan mat")



(8500 - 10000 USD)