Long ago, an annual assay meeting was held, for specific individuals to test the precious metal content of the gold and silver coins of a country, to verify that the mints were including the proper amounts of the precious metals in the coinage. Of course, this meeting had little value when the precious metals were no longer used in the circulating coinage, but the Assay formalities continued as a political function regardless of their usefulness. For the Paris Mint in particular, a long series of the coins of France and her related countries have been issued, marked ESSAI for this meeting.

We invite you to view our other eBay lots, and visit our eBay store, to see coins from a wide variety of locations throughout the world. 

Domestic Buyer pays $4 for postage, handling and insurance. For an international Buyer, shipping includes postage, handling and insurance; this may require Registered Mail or Priority Mail International, for countries not covered by our international shipping insurance policy. Accurate Customs documentation will be attached to international shipments. 

Under recent rule changes, the Post Office defines all international merchandise shipments as packages, regardless of whether they are in envelopes.  Shipping for Canada, Australia and the UK depends upon how you wish for it to be shipped: (1) Registered Mail will cost about $34; or (2) First Class Mail International package (insured via a non-Post Office insurer) will cost about $17 ($15 for Canada)(postal rates effective 1/25/21). Additional items can be added to the package with no additional shipping charge.

30 day return privilege for any reason, provided that the coin holder has not been opened.

If you are bidding on other auctions we have on eBay or in our eBay store, please note that we combine shipments to reduce your postage costs whenever possible. Please contact us for combined shipping costs.