3 Sols ND
1793 year| Copper | 11.38 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | City under siege of Lyon (French States) |
|---|---|
| Period | Revolt of Lyon against the National Convention (1793) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1793 |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 11.38 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Thickness | 2.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#390704 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Inscription separated by fleurons. In the middle of the field, a very crudely made lion.
Script: Latin
Lettering: TROIS x SOLS
Translation: THREE SOLS
Engraver: Denis
Edge
Plain
Comment
Obsidional coin cast by the besieged during the siege of Lyon (09/08/1793 to 09/10/1793).
The armies of the National Convention sent an army of 100,000 men to take the city.
The production of these coins (other modules for 5, 6, 10, 15 and 20 sols exist) was decided by the chief engineer of Lyon's artillery, a man named Schmidt, using metal from the melting of old cannons.
The engraver was a man named Denis: he had barely begun work on them when he received orders from the insurrectionary armies to stop, given the scarcity of copper in the besieged city. Instead, the city authorities preferred to issue paper money of various denominations.
There was a wide disparity between the diameters and weights of this type, which effectively prevented their legalization:
Interesting fact
The 3 Sols ND (1793) coin from the City under siege of Lyon (French States) is a rare and valuable coin, with only a few examples known to exist. It is considered a numismatic treasure and is highly sought after by collectors.