FRANCE: Third Republic, AR 5 francs, 1872, KM-X48.1, Gad-74, Maz-2338, 37mm medallic issue in silver, effigy of Thiers left, with torches and extinguishers around, and cross at top, with "1685" in exergue // shield with banner reading SATORY with a scene of a military firing squad, with "5" and "F" flanking shield, all within a wreath, with REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE 1872 around, plain edge, a wonderfully toned lustrous example! PCGS graded MS64, RR, ex Charles W. Lueders III Collection. Minister under Louis Philippe I, then President of the Council in 1836 and 1840, Adolphe Thiers then became the head of the order of the Assembly. He was arrested in 1851 during the dissolution of the Empire. He was allowed to return the following year, and dropped out of politics for a number of years. He was elected to the French Chamber in 1863 and 1869 as an opponent of the Empire. In 1871 he was appointed head of executive power of the Government of National Defense. A group of radicals were then elected, known as the Paris Commune. Fighting then broke out between Empire forces and those of the Commune. Many Parisiens were executed by Empire forces during what became known as "Bloody Week." Thiers eventually became the first President of the Third Republic, a post he held for two years.

Estimate: USD 350 - 450