1722-H French Colonies Sou, or 9 Deniers. La Rochelle Mint. Martin 2.17-D.12, W-11840. Rarity-6+. VF-25 (PCGS). 115.0 grains. An attractive, original, and problem-free VF example with nice medium brown color, the devices a shade lighter than the fields. Obverse slightly off to 9 oclock but everything is still easily readable. No significant marks, certainly nothing out of line for the grade, just a few thin scratches on the reverse and tiny contact marks elsewhere. Generally hard surfaces with minimal roughness for the type. An interesting and rare die variety with rather haphazardly placed letters and numerals on the reverse. Neat die break from the I in FRANCOISES down the right side of the last 2. This is the only specimen of the variety recorded by Syd. PCGS# 905880. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Richard August, January 2010. Plated in the Martin reference "French Coinage Specifically for Colonial America," pp. 214, 400.
