★ Excessively Rare - MS64 NGC. ★

Greece, King Constantine I, 1913-1917 and 1920-1922. AR Pattern Essai Drachma, 1913, Paris mint, reeded edge, by G. Iakovidis. Obv. ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ, laureate head left, below truncation engraver’s name Γ. ΙΑΚΩΒΙΔΗΣ, date 1913 and without ESSAI. Rev. ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ, ΔΡΑΧΜΗ, Greek arms on crowned mantle, with ESSAI (incuse) on the right of denomination (KM-E31; Divo P99, RRR).

An example combining exceptional strike, eye-appeal and rarity. Possibly unique in private hands and of great historical significance.

At the time of Divo’s publication in 1969, the author mentioned of one known example, in the Musée Monétaire Paris. We are privileged to offer the second known example of this remarkable numismatic treasure in its first public auction appearance in more than four decades. Moreover our numismatists have never seen any example for sale, either in auction or private sale. This presents a unique opportunity to acquire such an extreme rarity. Possibly unique in private hands.

On an academic and historical level, this coin provides a fascinating story. In October of 1913 the Hellenic Government commissioned the engraving of a new monetary series based from a portrait of G. Iakovidis created in the Royal Palace in August 1913. The plan was to strike silver drachmas, 2 drachmai and gold 20 drachmai. However the project was abandoned due to funding difficulties.

This pattern is the only known example of this adventurous but ill fated endeavour and the final numismatic engraving of G. Iakovidis. It is interesting to mention that this portrait type was re-attempted by his friend and colleague, C. Dimitriadis for the 1915 ESSAI issues which also did not lead to fruition. The 1913 ESSAI is incomparably rarer than the 1915 issue.

Graded MS64 NGC.

From the Collection of a Gentleman. Ex Spink No. 5 Auction, 17-18 May 1979, lot 255. The collector purchased the coin 31 January 1980 from D. Loulakakis (private sale).