1670-A French Colonies 5 Sols. Paris Mint. Martin 2-A. Lecompte-186, W-11605, Breen-256. AU-58 (PCGS). A specimen of this classic and desirable rarity, the single finest example of the 15 Syd acquired. Nearly complete cartwheel luster graces both sides, with choice golden toning intermingled with translucently pale pastel blue around medium silver gray devices. Nicely centered and soundly struck, with just a small region of diagonal planchet adjustment marks still visible in the soft spot of the central reverse; this region, opposite the high relief portrait, is the most apt to retain these pre-striking relics. Only minor hairlines are noted on either side, and a small toning spot below N of REGNI may serve as a provenance marker. The obverse die appears perfect, the reverse is in its early state, with just a very fine crack from a denticle through G of GLORIAM across the right petal of the rightmost fleur-de-lis in the crown. The visual appeal and originality are superb, even for an example in this grade.<p><p>Martins survey of 1670-A 5 sols in major collections located five examples of this variety; this was the finest. This was one of the more common die marriages he encountered. The 5 sols, as a type, is considered Rarity-4. It is encountered in a breathtaking range of grades, from nearly slick to choice Mint State, though middle circulated grades are the most frequently encountered. There is good evidence to believe this type circulated in Canada and elsewhere in the French territories, even if the French West Indies was its first stop. PCGS# 905844. PCGS Population (all 1670-A 5 Sols): 5; 4 finer (MS-64 finest). From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex John Agre and Dave Wnuck (Coin Rarities Online), January 2009.
