Cattaro. French Occupation Siege Cast 10 Francs 1813 AU55 NGC, KM3, Dav-45, Pag-291a, VG-2314, CNI-VIb.1. 52.7gm. Lettered edge. A fascinating representative and largest denomination of this fleeting Napoleonic obsidional issue, a series as a whole we have handled only 3 examples of in the last few decades. Here we have the first and finest of the only two certified by NGC, its counterpart assigned an AU53 designation and offered as the subsequent lot. Struck for use in the Montenegrin port of Cattaro under French occupation during the siege laid by local forces and aided by the British fleet, which saw eventual French capitulation in January of 1814. It's surprising to see any, let alone a pair, of these large issues, as there could have only been so many produced during the course of a siege lasting less than 3 months total. With little time and crude technology available, this French production is exceptionally unusual and likely saw little, if any, actual use in circulation. Essentially as cast, with patinated battleship-gray surfaces, the reverse inscribed "CATTARO EN ETAT DE SIEGE 1813," framing laurels and cannons, the obverse reading "DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE" surround a crowned N and two grenades, denomination at either side. Of significant interest to obscure siege piece and Napoleonic collectors alike.

HID09801242017

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