1747-A Sou Marque. Paris/Lyon Mint Hybrid. Vlack-27. Unique. AU Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS).42.6 grains. A most enigmatic issue that as far we is know is still unique. The piece is a fairly even silver-gray on the obverse, somewhat mottled on the reverse. It seems to have chattered in the dies, with evidence of double striking on both sides. The reverse is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from normal coin alignment. Vlack describes this variety in his 2004 reference as:<p><em>An extraordinary variety with a Lyon Mint reverse, possibly a special issue with a stop inserted after the A mintmark. Also no stop before the Sun Burst and a stop after ET, very unlike the Paris issues. The Lyon Mint ceased producing this series in 1743. This reverse die found its way to the Paris mint, either intentionally or accidentally, and was used to strike this hybrid. To date [2004], this is the only known specimen.</em><p>Syd Martin takes a slightly different view and suggests that this may be a contemporary counterfeit. In either case, this is a well known and highly regarded Vlack number, its offering in this sale representing what could very well be a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity for series specialists.PCGS# 915858.From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) sale of the Robert A. Vlack Collection, January 2008 Americana Sale, lot 5305. The plate coin for the variety in the 2004 Vlack reference on the French billon coinage in the Americas.