1742-B Sou M MS(PCGS#158619)

The March 2013 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

237

Grade

MS62

Price

823

Lot Description

1742-B French Colonies Sou Marque. Rouen Mint. Vlack-54. Rarity-7. MS-62 (PCGS). 32.7 grains. Slightly soft on some of the peripheral elements, but generally well centered and well struck on both sides. A vague planchet lamination crosses the center of the reverse. A light blanket of mottled patina covers the greenish-gray surfaces of this pleasing, nicely preserved example. Vlack refers to this issue as "excessively rare," with perhaps three to five known in all grades. This impressive piece is tied with one other as the finest (and one of just two coins) graded by PCGS.