Wondrously Toned and Stunningly Pedigreed Pattern Écu from the 1791 Competition
FRANCE. Constitution. Silver Écu de 6 Livres Essai (Pattern), Year 2/1791. Paris Mint. Louis XVI. PCGS SPECIMEN-64.
Maz-54 (R4); Gad-46.(a); Ciani-2222. Plain edge. By J.-B. Andrieu. Weight: 30.93 gms. A stunningly designed and struck example from the array of crowns designed in 1791, this near-Gem stands as a seemingly unrivaled RARITY, as it is the sole representative of the type seen across both major services. The design is rather deeply and boldly incised, with elegant relief creating a refined and exceptionally sculpted nature upon each side. Furthermore, intense pastel hues draw in the gaze of the viewer, with the stunning level of preservation increasing its desirability that much more. Regarding its mintage figure, as well as those for some of the other examples for the competition, Margolis writes that "...there were probably only two specimens in silver struck of this as well as some (but not all) of the other silver competition essays, thus enabling both obverse and reverse to be viewed at the actual judging, which was originally intended to take place at 3:00pm, Wednesday, July 6, 1791, at the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. It did not actually take place until July 9. The present example is the only one known to the cataloguer; a second example may surface some day. " Featuring a phenomenal pedigree in addition to its exquisite beauty, this stunner will no doubt generate immense enthusiasm and participation.
From the Richard Margolis Collection (acquired from Münzen und Medaillen on 27 November 1961). Ex: Collection R.K. (Raoul Kraft) (Münzen und Medaillen - 11/1961) Lot # 70 (acquired from Münzen und Medaillen in Basel in 1954). Ex: Palace Collections of Egypt [King Farouk] (Sotheby's - 3/1954) Lot # 2171 (part of). Ex: Virgil M. Brand Collection (as "Ferrari-Brand," Schulman - ca. 1932) Lot # 2821. Ex: Baron Phillipe de Ferrari la Renotière Collection (acquired from Marc Fabre in 1882). Ex: Dassy de Meaux Collection (Rollin et Feuardent - 5/1869) Lot # 1073 (acquired from M. Rousseau in February 1841). Ex: Pierre-Joseph & Nicolas-Pierre Tiolier Collection (possibly acquired from Bertrand Andrieu ca. 1791; sold to M. Rousseau in February 1841).

Estimate: $7500.00- $15000.00