US Gold Pattern Pieces- ANYTHING BUT GOLD
J-659 5$/25 Francs Dual Denomination Half eagle

Owner Comments:

1868 5$ Dual Denomination Pattern $5-25 Francs
Judd-659, Pollock-732
Low R.7, PR63

Struck in aluminum with a plain edge

Obverse:
Anthony Paquet's design Bust of Liberty facing left with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the date 1868 below. LIBERTY is inscribed on a ribbon that bounds her hair, and a single star is mounted on the ribbon.

Reverse:
The reverse is simply inscribed "5 / DOLLARS / 25 / FRANCS" in the center with a laurel and oak wreath surrounding. About a dozen examples are known with a similar number of reeded edge aluminum pieces known.

Comment:
This was Paquet’s response to the June 1867 international monetary convention in Paris that was proposed an international Gold standard for trade and the subsequent request in Congress for a creation of an international 5$ gold coin. Each country (except France ) was to adjust some standard on their coinage to establish a common coin and this piece would have weigh 124 -9/20 grains making it equal to the 25 franc piece.

This example is a well struck and the surfaces are bright with the frosted cameo appearance. The few specks of oxidation are seen on each side which may have limited the grade.

Provenance:
The Collection of William Rau. Heritage 2018 April 25 - 29 CSNS - Chicago / Lot #4990. Also appears to be from The Dr. Jon Kardatzke Collection part II June 2000 Ira and Larry Goldberge / Lot 1070 which also had a noted reference as The Madison Collection and from the Empire Coin Company