FRANCE. Duo of Gilt Bronze Uniface 100 Francs Essais (Patterns) (2 Pieces), "1855". Paris Mint. Napoleon III. Both NGC PROOF-63 Certified.
1) Obverse: 1855-E, with laureate head right and retrograde four-line inscription on the back. cf. KM-802 (for obverse type). 2) Reverse: 1855-A, with crowned and mantled coat-of-arms over scepters crossed in saltire, and retrograde four-line inscription on the back. cf. KM-786.1 (for reverse). A VERY RARE pairing of uniface patterns or trials, with the obverse-- given the 1855 date on the back --actually foreshadowing the laureate bust of the emperor that would be utilized starting in 1861.
Estimate: $4000.00- $6000.00