Owner Comments:
(2) KM-Pn20 (Previously Pn8 - New numbering in KM due to updates) 5 francs, .900 Silver, lettered edge 1. NGC MS63 (plate coin in the essential text on world issues by Chester L. Krause and Clifford Mishler [KM] plate coin).
This is silver, both KM (KM now corrected) and NGC have this wrong. Rounded Shoulder, larger bust. Two similar but different dies; larger and thinner date, squared off shoulder on bust and smaller bust. Also differences in all lettering on both sides. Many dies polishing lines on obverse. Dupriez 91; (Ciani-711 variety). ex. B&M 3/1/2008 (see entry for this coin at the end of list Part 2) Found description of this coin which came form a Stacks Auction 6/21-23/2006. Here is the description:1896 Belgian Congo. Pattern five francs. KM-PN8. MS-63 (NGC).Landing a coveted position as a plate coin in the essential text on world issues by Chester L. Krause and Clifford Mishler, this piece is a very nice example of this pattern made for the Belgian Congo. On the obverse the portrait of King Leopold II is surrounded by stylistic letters, reflective of changing art styles of the era (the ornateness of Victorian times was giving way, especially in France, to the advent of the Art Nouveau movement). Below the bust can be found the signature of the engraver, Fernan Dubois. The reverse illustrates arms featuring rampant lions at each side of a crowned shield, with the denomination above, and motto and date below. Struck in silver. A generation ago in April 1980, this was offered by Paramount International Coin Corporation as part of the Sherwood Collection, there as Lot 3, described as "gem Uncirculated 65, attractive gray, greenish gold, and russet toning; very sharply struck with a high wire rim." Further, "a rare and desirable pattern piece that is seldom offered for sale. Worth close to $1,000." For most readers of the present catalogue, 1980 is ancient history. Here is an opportunity that may not be repeated for a long time. Krause plate coin. From Paramount's sale of April 1980, Lot 3.
I had this coin conserved by NCS to remove the green "gunk" on Leopold's head. - This coin is silver not lead/tin. Error in KM (now corrected in KM). Plate coin in KM.
Ex. Stacks 6/21/2006, Lot 193
Ex. Paramount's Sale of April 1980, Lot 3