Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction 22-26 Aug 2022
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FRANCE. Duo of Gilt Bronze Uniface 20 Francs Essais (Patterns) (2 Pieces), 1855-A. Paris Mint. Napoleon III. Both PCGS SPECIMEN-65 Certified.
1) Obverse: ND (1855), with bare head right and three-line inscription on the back. cf. KM-781.1 (for obverse).
1) Obverse: ND (1855), with bare head right and three-line inscription on the back. cf. KM-781.1 (for obverse).
2) Reverse: 1855-A, with date and denomination within wreath, and three-line inscription on the back. cf. KM-781.1 (for reverse).
A pair of dazzling, extremely vibrant Gems, this entrancing duo presents a high degree of brilliance and serves as trials or patterns for the respective obverse and reverse designs for the current 20 Francs coinage. Already difficult to encounter, they are that much more RARE presented here in a matching graded pair. The "AB" signature upon each back must assuredly be the Paris Mint's engraver, Albert Barre.
Estimate: $2000 - $3000