What is an Essai?

[physics-fan3.14]

I saw this auction on Ebay, and it interested me. I like the French Occupation of Morocco coinage, so I would like to get it if I knew what it was. I have seen the term Essai in places, but what is it? And, if anyone knows, how rare is this particular piece and what is it worth? Help! (picture attached)

[satootoko]

An essai is a sort of test strike - generally a non-circulating non-legal tender piece with a somewhat larger mintage than the typical coin designated as a pattern.

 

Your Moroccan 10 franc, which appears to be dated AH1366 (11/25/48-11/15/49) is not pictured in the 2006 Krause, but except for denomination it looks exactly like

• E26, a 20 franc dated AH1347 ($250 cat. value),
• E28, a 50 centimes dated AH1361 ($40),
• E43, a 50 francs dated AH1371 ($35)
• E44, a 100 francs dated AH 1372 ($75), and
• E45, a 200 francs dated AH1372 ($90)

 

Considering its condition, and the catalog values for similar pieces, I doubt if I would go over $50, if I collected French colonial essais or Moroccan coins.

 

Krause is not known for 100% accuracy in listing essais and patterns.

[physics-fan3.14]

thanks for the info

[physics-fan3.14]

So I've been researching on the internet, and I found a book which might help me. Does anyone have a copy of "Monnaies et jetons des colonies françaises" by LECOMPTE Jean? It is in French, but appears to be a complete encyclopedia of the French Colonial issues. If anyone can read french and has it, could you please relay the information? Thanks.

[gmarguli]

Just FYI, I purchased several Morocco Essai coinage today at the Long Beach show. Most were priced around catalog and they are in nice condition.