FRANCE - FRANCE Consulate (1799-1804). Essai de 5 francs, tranche lisse, concours de l'An XI, by Droz, Frappe spéciale (SP) An XI (1803), Paris. Av. BONAPARTE FIRST CONSUL. Bare head right; below signature DROZ F. Rv. FRENCH REPUBLIC. Within a wreath formed by two branches of laurel: 5 FRANCS and below (child's head) AN XI and (workshop). G.566 - Maz.536a v. - VG.1227 - TT.1044.a.3 ; Bronze - 26,96 g - 37 mm - 6 h This is the second highest grade! From the Richard Margolis collection and previously from the Raoul Kraft collection, sale Münzen & Medaillen 23, Basel, 7 November 1961, no. 198. PCGS SP63BN (55936907). With smooth edge and signature to the right. Two small stains on the right side, barely scratched. The original red colour remains visible around the reliefs, with a brown patina in the fields. Superb at Fleur de coin. Commenting on this copy, Richard Margolis noted "although undoubtedly rare, copper examples of this Droz competition essay are occasionally available, in contrast to the total absence on the market of any of the official silver 5 francs competition essays (with the sole exception of an exceedingly rare plain edge silver 5 francs essay by Wielandy). This leads me to suggest that these plain edge copper essays were struck and sold by Droz on his own initiative." * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.