The Pinnacle of Numismatic History: 1839 Louis-Philippe I "London Type" Gold-Clad Copper Essai

Presenting a hidden masterpiece of 19th-century French numismatics—the 1839 Louis-Philippe I Essai (Pattern) 1 Decime. Rated R1 (Rare) and standing as the sole highest-graded example in existence, this coin represents a historic crossroads where French artistry met British industrial innovation.

■ Design

• Obverse: Portrait of Louis-Philippe I, King of the French. Notably, the signature "TIOLIER ET BARRE" is inscribed below the bust—an exceptionally rare joint credit to the two giants of the Paris Mint, Nicolas-Pierre Tiolier and his successor Jacques-Jean Barre.

• Reverse: The word "LONDRES 1839" (London) enclosed in a laurel wreath. Above is the inscription "ESSAI DE MONNOYAGE" (Coinage Trial), and below is the "couchant leopard," a motif symbolic of the English monarchy.

This "London Type" commemorates the technical exchange between France and Britain during the early 19th century, particularly France's interest in British steam-powered coining technology. The joint signature of Tiolier and Barre captures the "passing of the torch" between two eras of French engraving.

■ Condition

SP65 BN (PCGS Certified — The Only Top Pop)

Understanding the "SP" (Specimen) Grade: A "Specimen" strike is a coin produced with extraordinary care, often featuring sharper reliefs and a superior finish compared to business strikes. These were never intended for circulation but were created as technical samples or presentation pieces for the Mint's archives.

■ Coin Details

• Year of Issue: 1839

• Mint: Paris (Struck as a "London" type trial)

• Designers: Nicolas-Pierre Tiolier & Jacques-Jean Barre

• Material: Copper

• Weight: Approx. 15.9 g

• Diameter: Approx. 31 mm

• Certification: PCGS SP65 BN (Single Highest Grade Globally)

• Global Census: Total of 12 graded (PCGS: 5 / NGC: 7). This specimen is the undisputed number one.

■ Key Highlights

1. Rarity: The "Top Pop" Sovereign With only 12 examples certified across PCGS and NGC combined, this Essai is already a profound rarity. However, its true value is defined by its status: SP65. No other specimen from either grading service exceeds this grade. It is the "Ultimate Proof"—a coin that stands alone at the top of the global registry.

2. A Witness to the Industrial Revolution The 1839 "LONDRES" Essai is more than a coin; it is a "palm-sized heritage" of the July Monarchy. It symbolizes an era of national prestige and European collaboration. The sharp, knife-like edges and the exquisite detail of the leopard motif showcase the peak of 19th-century engraving technology, preserved in a "time capsule" state that circulation coins could never achieve.

3. Investment Value: Market Dominance and Growth In 2026, this specimen rewrote the record books to become the reigning Top Pop. For a rare Essai (Pattern) coin, such a high-tier status provides an unshakeable asset foundation. While Essai coins of this caliber are typically reserved for elite auctions, this piece offers a rare opportunity to acquire a "World's Best" at a surprisingly accessible entry point.

Conclusion

Combining a rare dual-engraver signature, a historic connection to the British Royal Mint's technology, and the singular status of being the highest-graded example on Earth, this 1839 Essai is a masterpiece for the connoisseur.

For the discerning collector who values rarity, condition, and a compelling narrative, this SP65 Specimen is a definitive acquisition. Secure this historic bridge between nations for your private vault.