1722-H French Colonies Sou, or 9 Deniers. La Rochelle Mint. Martin 2.20-D.1, W-11840. Rarity-3. EF-40 (PCGS). 86.2 grains. A strong EF example with technical sharpness probably worthy of a higher grade. Little worn and there are even traces of slightly reflective luster remaining in the fields on each side. Microporous throughout but nowhere disturbingly so. The overall appearance is fairly smooth and there are no serious marks or planchet flaws. Dark chocolate-brown and steel with little bits of black patina on each side. Weakly struck at DOMI, otherwise sharp and well centered, especially on the reverse. Late die state with a large cud on the crown and many small die breaks across the reverse. PCGS# 905882. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Richard Picker, April 30, 1961; Heritages sale of the W. Philip Keller Collection, October 2010, lot 3021. Plated in the Martin reference "French Coinage Specifically for Colonial America," pp. 220, 378.
