2025年7月1日星期二 
Other coins also saw strong bidding:
- A 100 francs Napoleon III gold trial coin of 1868 (lot 119) sold for €140,400.
- A 50 francs 1878 coin (lot 123) reached the same price.
- Finally, a 5 francs Louis XVIII, a prestigious coin struck in homage to the King (lot 109), sold for €110,500.
These results reflect the vitality of the rare coin market, where striking excellence and condition are paramount, confirming Drouot's status as the go-to place for numismatics enthusiasts.
Rare Gold Coins Shine at R&C’s July Auction at Hôtel Drouot
O n Tuesday, July 1st, the auction house R&C held a numismatic sale at Hôtel Drouot, confirming the growing interest among collectors for gold proofs and prestigious coins. Several rare pieces, estimated between €40,000 and €200,000, significantly exceeded expectations.
Leading the bidding was a highly rare 5 francs Consulate gold coin (lot 105), a proof struck under the Directory period (1799–1804), which sold for €279,500. This coin, depicting Hercules between Liberty and Equality under the motto “Union et Force”, is a proof—a presentation strike made with exceptional care. It stands out for its remarkable state of preservation and could be the finest known example of its type.
Lot 122, a 5 francs 1876 A, Third Republic coin, featuring the same figures but with the motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”, reached €227,500. Probably unique, this gold specimen is preserved in what is called a “fleur de coin” condition, meaning flawless, without any signs of wear or handling.
Another remarkable piece was a 5 francs 1807 coin gifted to Napoleon I (lot 107), also a gold proof, featuring the inscription “God Protects France” engraved in relief on the edge. This prestigious coin, reserved for the Emperor, sold for €221,000. It was previously dispersed in the Vinchon sale of 1978.
Lot 122, a 5 francs 1876 A, Third Republic coin, featuring the same figures but with the motto “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”, reached €227,500. Probably unique, this gold specimen is preserved in what is called a “fleur de coin” condition, meaning flawless, without any signs of wear or handling.
Another remarkable piece was a 5 francs 1807 coin gifted to Napoleon I (lot 107), also a gold proof, featuring the inscription “God Protects France” engraved in relief on the edge. This prestigious coin, reserved for the Emperor, sold for €221,000. It was previously dispersed in the Vinchon sale of 1978.
Other coins also saw strong bidding:
- A 100 francs Napoleon III gold trial coin of 1868 (lot 119) sold for €140,400.
- A 50 francs 1878 coin (lot 123) reached the same price.
- Finally, a 5 francs Louis XVIII, a prestigious coin struck in homage to the King (lot 109), sold for €110,500.
These results reflect the vitality of the rare coin market, where striking excellence and condition are paramount, confirming Drouot's status as the go-to place for numismatics enthusiasts.
