By Jeremy Bostwick – Senior Numismatist and Cataloger, Stack’s Bowers …… Updated by CoinWeek March 2026
At the January 2025 New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) Auction of ancient and world coins from Stack’s Bowers Galleries featured the third installment of the Richard Margolis Collection (part II of his extensive array of French material). Numerous once-in-a-lifetime treasures crossed the auction block, many of which have been off the market for decades.
One such item is a tremendously elusive (and potentially unique) gold 40 Francs in Proof from 1809. Bearing the left-facing laureate head of Napoleon, it offers stunning eye appeal and flair, with immense brilliance in the fields and frostiness on the sharply struck devices. The only proof striking of the type seen across both major grading services, this Gem NGC PROOF-65 specimen also hails from prestigious prior collections, having been owned previously by Mortimer Hammel and Virgil M. Brand. Visit here to view all lots in the Richard Margolis Collection Part III .
This exceptional, potencially Unique Proof sold for $144,000. To view more auction results and future offerings, please visit StacksBowers.com where you may register and participate in other forthcoming sales.
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Stack’s Bowers is always seeking coins, medals, and paper money for our future auctions. We are currently accepting consignments for our Global Showcase auctions. Additionally, we are accepting consignments for our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a single item or an entire collection, please contact one of our consignment directors. They will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
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