François I (1515-1547) gold Ecu d'Or au soleil ND (from 1519)-B UNC Details (Bent) NGC, Bayonne mint, Fr-347, Dup-775. 3.38gm. 5th type, 3rd Emission (from 21 July 1519). + (anchor) FRAИCISCVS (B below И): DEI: GRACIA: FRAИCORVM: REX, small sun above crowned royal shield within inner border / + (anchor) XPS: VIИCIT: XPS: REGИAT: XPS: InPERAT:, cross fleury, F in second and third angles, lis in first and fourth. A selection of generally laudable quality in spite of its noted bending, most particularly as the strike has rendered such crisp detail despite the heavily strained nature of the dies. While some light die rust occurs over the obverse, this feature is made most clear on the reverse, where it accompanies a die shift and a dramatic break immediately following the first X in the legend. It is quite possible that the deteriorating state of this die may be the reason for the absence of the usual B that would typically appear below the V in VINCIT. Simply stated, an incredible survivor.

HID09801242017

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