1722/1-H French Colonies Sou, or 9 Deniers. La Rochelle Mint. Martin 2.24-C.8, W-11835. Rarity-6--Double Struck Over Obverse Brockage--VF-35 (PCGS). 84.5 grains. A fantastic error, the likes of which we have not encountered on any other coin in this series. It appears to have been struck twice, the first strike being a full obverse brockage and the second strike normal and probably intentional, the goal being to fix the coin by effacing the brockage impression. Unfortunately for the coiners (but fortunately for numismatists), a good bit of the incuse detail of the brockage strike remains including a bold crown and addorsed Ls, as well as DOMINI. Remarkably, there is very little evidence of the second strike on the obverse side, with just slight doubling evident in the dentils along the bottom border and on some of the letters. If the fascinating error wasnt enough, the coin itself is also incredibly choice with totally ideal and problem-free light chocolate-brown surfaces that are glossy and essentially perfect for the grade. A wonderful and unique piece that offers immense eye appeal and intrigue. PCGS# 905882. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from McCawley & Grellmans First Annual C4 Convention Sale, October 1995, lot 244; Jeff Rock Collection, September 2006. Plated in the Martin reference "French Coinage Specifically for Colonial America," pp. 228, 417.
