Henri V Pretender gold Proof Piefort Off-Metal Essai 5 Francs 1832 PR64 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM-X35g (Only a few specimens known), Maz-906c (R5), VG-Unl. 71.91gm. Plain edge. Few issues of French origin can claim to match the historical and visual appeal of the immense offering at hand, whose initial inclusion in the famed Paramount Collection only confirms its numismatic importance. Struck in the name of Henri, pretender to the French throne and disputed King of France from August 2 to August 9, 1830. Henri V, the Duke of Bordeaux, was the son of Charles Ferdinand, the Duke of Berry, himself the younger son of Charles X of France. Charles abdicated the throne as the result of the July Revolution of 1830, bypassing the succession to his son in favor of his grandson, Henri. Henri's contested reign lasted only a single week before the National Assembly would ultimately declare Louis Philippe I as the rightful King of France, yet Patterns bearing the image of the young contested ruler survive to the present, as is exemplified by the present piece. Impressive attention to detail abounds this unlikely survivor, whose precisely engraved regalia, orders, and bust elevate its overall aesthetic character. Ample flash resides beneath the largely unmarred, apricot-tinted fields, providing compelling appearances consistent with the assigned "Ultra Cameo" superlative that will ultimately be met with strong bidder enthusiasm. Ex. Paramount Collection (Heritage Auction #3096, March 2021, Lot 30183) HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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