French State (1940–1944). 5-franc Pétain trial coin, 2nd type, in gold, by L. Bazor, Special Strike (SP) 1941, Paris.

Av. PHILIPPE PETAIN, MARSHAL OF FRANCE / HEAD OF STATE. Head facing left, signed L. BAZOR.
Reverse: WORK, FAMILY, COUNTRY. Marshal’s baton tied with two Franciscan knots and two oak branches, flanked by 5 - F and (varying); below, (date); at the bottom, “TEST.”
GEM.142.33 - Mint condition; Gold - 10.39 g - 22 mm - 6 h
Top Pop: this is the finest graded specimen! From a Palombo auction, May 1, 2004, lot 519, then Palombo 17, October 20, 2018, lot 512.
PCGS SP61 (35142154).
Special strike (SP) on a gold blank, with the obverse die having broken during striking. Only 2 examples known, according to Taillard and Arnaud. Minimal handling marks on the edges. Superb.

* Pursuant to Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law as of January 1, 2025, buyers from within the EU are required to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.
* Pursuant to Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, which will be implemented in national law as of January 1, 2025, European buyers will also be required to pay 5.5% VAT on this lot.