FRANCE - FRANCE Louis XVIII (1814-1824). Proof of 40 francs Or, Concours de 1815, by N. Tiolier 1815, A, Paris. Av. *LOUIS* XVIII* ROI* - *DE* FRANCE*. crowned bust right, in coronation mantle with the collar of the order of Saint-Michel and the grand collar of the order of the Holy Spirit, signature N. TIOLIER and below a cockerel. Rv. Within a wreath formed of two branches of laurel, the shield of France crowned and accosted by 40 - FR, below (date) and in exergue (workshop). G.1090 (hors cote) - Maz.722 (R5) - VG.2428 - Théret/Taillard 2043.a.2 (hors cote) ; Gold - 12,78 g - 26 mm - 12 h From the collection of Doctor F., sale X. Wattebled, expert T. Parsy, 26-27 January 2022, no. 604. Some known examples according to the authors of the Franc: Rollin et Feuardent 1869, Hoffmann 1878 or Farouk collection 1954. Special strike with smooth edge and satin-finish relief on mirror fields. This mint was made during the 1815 competition (FRANC Louis XVIII p.361). Only a few hairlines and finger marks in the fields. Superb at Fleur de coin. Nicolas Tiolier carried out a series of tests with this magnificent bust of King Louis XVIII, idealised with the clothes and attributes of a coronation that did not take place.