Heritage World Coin Auctions
March Signature Sale 3096 25-27 Mar 2021
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France
Republic gold Off-Metal Essai "Hercules" 5 Francs 1848-A MS62+ NGC, Paris mint, cf. KM756.1 (in silver), Gad-683, Maz-1211 (R5), VG-Unl. 32.29gm. Lettered edge. A marvelous "Essai" trial strike in gold of the famed "Hercules" 5 Francs design by Augustin Dupré, issued in the premier year of the Second Republic. Though 1848 is a highly prolific date in terms of the production of French Essai coinage, with redesigns of all denominations issued in droves, this piece must surely be considered near the apex of such emissions. It presents what would be the final 5 Francs design, a continuation of that originally issued by Dupré in the early years of the First Republic, struck in the most precious of metals. This is one of perhaps only two or three known in this composition, the last traceable example having appeared in a Jean Vinchon auction of October 2003; unfortunately, we are unable to determine whether that is or is not the present piece.
The quality of the specimen on offer here is beyond fault, its heavily reflective surfaces imbued with resplendent Prooflike luster, close inspection of the fields revealing a uniform spread of die lines indicative of heavy polishing, perhaps implying (as very well may be assumed by the nature of the piece's composition) a Specimen or Proof striking. The overall appearance is that of a choice piece, with perhaps a spot or two of haze preventing what easily might have been a higher certified designation.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/france/france-republic-gold-off-metal-essai-hercules-5-francs-1848-a-ms62-ngc-/a/3096-30184.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 30000-50000 USD
Republic gold Off-Metal Essai "Hercules" 5 Francs 1848-A MS62+ NGC, Paris mint, cf. KM756.1 (in silver), Gad-683, Maz-1211 (R5), VG-Unl. 32.29gm. Lettered edge. A marvelous "Essai" trial strike in gold of the famed "Hercules" 5 Francs design by Augustin Dupré, issued in the premier year of the Second Republic. Though 1848 is a highly prolific date in terms of the production of French Essai coinage, with redesigns of all denominations issued in droves, this piece must surely be considered near the apex of such emissions. It presents what would be the final 5 Francs design, a continuation of that originally issued by Dupré in the early years of the First Republic, struck in the most precious of metals. This is one of perhaps only two or three known in this composition, the last traceable example having appeared in a Jean Vinchon auction of October 2003; unfortunately, we are unable to determine whether that is or is not the present piece.
The quality of the specimen on offer here is beyond fault, its heavily reflective surfaces imbued with resplendent Prooflike luster, close inspection of the fields revealing a uniform spread of die lines indicative of heavy polishing, perhaps implying (as very well may be assumed by the nature of the piece's composition) a Specimen or Proof striking. The overall appearance is that of a choice piece, with perhaps a spot or two of haze preventing what easily might have been a higher certified designation.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/france/france-republic-gold-off-metal-essai-hercules-5-francs-1848-a-ms62-ngc-/a/3096-30184.s?type=CoinArchives3096
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 30000-50000 USD