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Auction: 330 - A Selection of Fine World Coins and Medals at NY INC, Waldorf Astoria
Lot: 250

Monaco, Louis II (1889-1922), 4 pattern safety dies (4)
Four pattern "safety matrix" dies ("matrices plombs de sauvegarde", 1 Franc (2 obv. and 1 rev.) and 2 Francs (obv. only), no date (circa 1921-22) Paris mint, copper, patina red brown. Obv. portrait left, rev. coat of arms and date. Extremely fine. Very rare.



"As explained by Pierre Rodier, the last Mint Master at the Paris Mint, in my book, a prototype model pattern matrix and a prototype model pattern mark (poinçon) are done on a steel block and serve to realize the reproduction matrix and mark ("matrice et poinçon de reproduction"). The matrices are incused and the marks in relief.
The process called ("taille directe") consists in engraving directly the die (...). Once the reproduction matrix is completed, a second matrix called "safety matrix" is made in a softer metal, either copper or "coppered gutta-percha cuivré". This pattern "safety matrix" (:"matrice or poinçon de sauvegarde") serves to safeguard the initial engraving design in case of a problem with the reproduction matrix " by Michel Taillard, co-author "Essais Monétaires et Piéforts Français" ,Ed. Gadoury (Monaco).

Estimate
$4,000 to $6,000