Essai 5 Centimes 1835

This essai 5 centimes from 1835 was struck on planchets made from a experimental copper alloy, intended to improve durability for France's new decimal system under the July Monarchy.

That alloy choice reflected ongoing efforts at the Paris Mint to standardize coinage after years of revolutionary upheaval. The obverse shows Louis-Philippe's portrait in a simplified style, while the reverse bears a wreath and denomination—details that hint at design debates of the time.

Records are unclear on the exact number produced; most were likely melted down or kept as samples.

A few survive in collections, their patina often revealing careless storage in damp archives.

It's easy to see why some mix it up with regular strikes—much like filing a prototype next to the final product.