1739-A Sou Marque. Paris Mint. Vlack-18. Rarity-8. First Semester. AU-50 (PCGS).40.9 grains. In his 2004 reference <em>An Illustrated Catalogue of the French Billon Coinage in the Americas</em>, Vlack observes:<p><em>This variety must be given special attention. It has an inverted V for an A and no stop after NOM. It almost appears to be a pattern because of the sharpness in detail and perfect centering. This only known specimen is struck in copper, and while unusual, is believed to be a mint product.</em><p>The authors die variety work is accurate, but we feel that this additional specimen from the Syd Martin Collection (it is not the Vlack plate coin) confirms that Vlack-18 is not only a genuine Paris Mint product, but also a regular issue as opposed to a pattern. It exhibits abundant silvering that has toned a rich antique silver-gray, with underlying copper peering through in the open field areas. Solid About Uncirculated quality with impressively smooth surfaces and attractive originality.PCGS# 158671.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection.
