Possibly Unique Specimen 20 Francs with Ornamental Edge
FRANCE. Consulate. Gold 20 Francs Essai (Pattern), Year XI-A (1802/3). Paris Mint. Napoléon as First Consul. PCGS SPECIMEN-65+ Cameo.
Maz-415 var. (edge); Gad-1020.(b) var. (same); T&T-Unlisted; Fr-580 var. (same); KM-651 var. (same); F-510/1 var. (same). Ornamented (diamonds and hourglasses) edge. By P.-J. Tiolier. A stunning RARITY from Year XI, this issue features Tiolier's classic rendition of the soon-to-be-emperor, with sculpted hair and an engaging countenance. Seemingly unlisted in the standard references, this specimen issue of expert quality and manufacture parallels the regular business strike, but clearly deviates with respect to its exceptional flair as well as its different edge. Possessing an edge type which Margolis writes as "...ornamented with (for want of a more precise description), alternating diamonds and hour glasses," it stands apart from the rest of the issue, and may well be a UNIQUE item. Similarly, a Year 12 example that sold in April 2023 (for the hammer of €140,000) also displays a refined quality for both surface and strike. These such patterns may well indicate lofty status as presentation pieces upon the outset of the actual production run-- possibly making these as gifts intended for Napoléon himself. Margolis offers further background upon this tantalizing example, writing that it is "...almost certainly also ex Farouk collection, from lot 511, where described as "proof twenty francs, AN XI-A, edge of chain type". Reappeared in Glendining's February 25, 1977 auction sale, lot 25, which was catalogued by Baldwin's and inadequately described as "Proof-like mint state", with no mention of the edge. Bought in by Baldwin's at £1,600 (because, according to Peter Mitchell, it had cost the owner considerably more). Subsequently purchased from Baldwin's in February 1978. "
From the Richard Margolis Collection (acquired from A. H. Baldwin in London on 3 February 1978).

Estimate: $50000.00- $100000.00