1934 French gold 100 franc coin … a vapor coin?

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by calcol, Nov 25, 2020.

  1. calcol

    calcol Supporter! Supporter

    The series is the art deco gold coins produced 1929, 1932, 1933, 1935 and 1936. See picture. Mintages in the first 3 years were very low but in the millions in the last two years.

    But what about 1934? Krause lists the 1934 coin as “rare” with no mintage stated. Friedberg lists the 1934 as “unknown”. Numista.com lists a mintage of ten 1934 coins but with a note in French of “a confirmer”, which means to confirm (i.e. needs confirming). No coin for 1934 is mentioned in Gadoury or Le Franc 2019. Neither NGC nor PCGS list a 1934 coin in the pop reports. However, both NGC and PCGS registries have slots for it. Neither the ANS collection nor Département des Monnaies, Médailles et Antiques de la Bibliothèque Nationale de France lists one in their inventory.

    I’m starting to think the coin doesn’t exist. If anyone can point me to a picture, museum listing or sale record, I’d be grateful.

    Cal
    obv.jpg rev.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 26, 2020
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  3. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    That is one pretty piece.........almost 'medalic'.
     
  4. Bradley Trotter

    Bradley Trotter Well-Known Member

    I'm no expert on French coinage by any means, but could this situation be similar to the "1804" silver dollar where the mint reused dies from previous years. Regardless, that coin underscores the beauty of the art deco aesthetic.
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2020
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  5. spirityoda

    spirityoda Coin Junky

    Cool looking.
     
  6. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Beautiful coin, Cal.
     
  7. panzerman

    panzerman Well-Known Member

    Nice example, still need that one!
     
  8. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Can't help ya with the '34 but I used to own this one - '78 essai. If memory serves there were only 150 or so minted. Cost to me circa 2003 - melt.

    1978 5c essai obv.jpg 1978 5c essai rev.jpg
     
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  9. calcol

    calcol Supporter! Supporter

    Nice coin, Doug! Lucien Bazor, designer of the 1929-1936 100-franc gold coins, was obviously influenced by Adoph Weinman's "Mercury" dime design. Weinman was probably influenced by the French “rooster” 10- and 20-franc gold coins, which first appeared in the late 1890’s. These coins were designed by Jules-Clement Chaplain. See the pics for my example. Weinman’s inspiration was to replace the oak leaves with wings on Miss Liberty’s cap. In France, Miss Liberty is called Marianne.

    Cal
    obv.jpg rev.jpg
     
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  10. Jim Dale

    Jim Dale Well-Known Member

    I love those coins. What's the best source to purchase them?
     
  11. panzerman

    panzerman Well-Known Member

    They really easy to get. Heritage Auctions has some on their weekly "World/Ancients" events. The Marianne AV 20/ 1o Francs are avaliable in MS-65/55 regularly. The Bazor ones are often in auctions too.
     
  12. calcol

    calcol Supporter! Supporter

    The easiest and cheapest to find in certified MS grades are the 20-franc rooster coins minted after 1905. Almost any dealer in world coins will have them. Earlier 20-franc and all 10-franc certified coins are harder to find and more expensive. The 100-franc winged Marianne coins minted 1935 or 1936 are also plentiful in certified MS grades but several times more expensive than the 20-franc roosters. The earlier winged Marianne coins are really rare and really expensive.

    Uncertified 20-franc coins are readily available from European dealers and are cheapest of all ... not much above melt.

    Cal
     
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