Watch List notes:

FRANCE. Duo of Gilt Bronze Uniface 50 Francs Essais (Patterns) (2 Pieces), 1855-A. Paris Mint. Napoleon III. Both PCGS SPECIMEN-64 Certified.
1) Obverse: ND (1855), with bare head right and retrograde three-line inscription on the back (with evidence of the same inscription fainter at an angle). cf. KM-785 (for obverse type).

2) Reverse: 1855-A, with crowned and mantled coat-of-arms over scepters crossed in saltire, and retrograde four-line inscription on the back. cf. KM-785.1 (for reverse).

This fairly RARE pairing presents uniface patterns or trials for the current 50 Francs design. Both are extremely radiant and elegant, with a bright yellow nature to the fronts and a more burnished, darkened amber nature to the backs.

Estimate: $3000 - $5000