Lot 7
1713-AA French Colonies 15 Deniers. PCGS graded AU-58. Referred to as a "Demi Mousquetaires" or "Half Mousquetaires" piece. Very rare as a denomination, and especially so for the date of 1713. Complete silvering save for the very highest devices which show a trace of darker gray on the high points. This is the rosette variety, which appears after the date at the top of the crown. Breen notes that these are all very rare, and this variety he states "4 or 5 seen."
The coinage from the French Colonies was first issued under the Royal Edict of February 1679, and the coins were intended to circulate in Canada, Aradia and the French Carribean. Later, more coins were issued under the Edict of September 1709, which called for billon coinage in the denominations of 15 and 30 Deniers. Billon consisted of both copper and silver. Apparently, these circulated well as most are found in extremely low grades. Around 1720 John Law set up his abortive scheme for land speculation in the Mississippi region. Bank notes were issued backed by land, and precious little silver or gold as backing. After the disastrous consequences unfolded, coinage became quite scarce in the region (Stack's Roper sale, 1983).
Struck at the Paris Mint, this coin somehow survived in wonderful condition, despite the rusted dies used to the coin it. Nearly identical to the Roper coin offered by Stack's in 1983, but this is a different die pairing.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
|
| |
| Realized $633 |
