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Auction: 1009 - Ancient, English & Foreign Coins, Commemorative Medals & Numismatic Books
Lot: 483

France, Constitution (1791-92), Dixain, 1791, called Dixain de Rochon, dixain in circle, metal de cloche around, fleur de lis below, rev. 1792 in wreath, 27mm., 6.89g (Br.177a; Maz.203; VG.207), good very fine, very rare Estimate £ 60-80 Alexis-Marie de Rochon (1741-1817) was destined for an ecclesiastical career (hence he is also refered to as Abbé Rochon) but instead he pursued a career as a scientist and explorer, specialising in optics and marine navigation. After voyages to Madagascar in 1771 and Australia in 1774 he was named conservateur du Cabinet d´astronomie du roi, and later was appointed inspecteur des machines des monnaies and commissaire général des monnaies. In 1790 he was sent to London with a delegation to discuss reforming the various systems of weights and measures. Rochon retired to Brest where he was appointed directeur de l´observatoire and was elected membre de la Légion d´Honneur. The lighthouse at Brest was built and equipped under his supervision. His name is kept alive today by the micromètre à double image, known as ´lunette de Rochon´, and this trial piece, known as ´Dixain de Rochon´.

Sold for
£70