Austrian Netherlands, Francis I, 10 Sovereigns, 1751, Antwerp, Gold

Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust in the antique style of Francis I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, on the right, wearing the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece., Crowned double-headed imperial eagle, wearing a crowned shield and holding a sceptre and sword, resting on a Burgundy cross, all surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece., Graded PCGS Genuine Cleaned-AU Detail. An exceptional and gigantic coin, struck in the name of Francis I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and an absolute rarity! Traces of the mounting are visible on the reverse at 3h and 9h, as well as traces of cleaning that have left hairlines. The overall condition remains excellent and it seems clear that this particular specimen, despite its mounting, has had very little circulation, despite some slight flat on the obverse, this is the part that has been cleaned the most, and has probably only been worn as jewellery on rare and prestigious occasions. From the 1750s onwards, the Austrian court wanted to mint coins for the Austrian Netherlands in the name and title of Francis I. This raised many questions and caused a great deal of caution, as Francis I was not sovereign in these lands, but only co-regent, and it was feared that the States of Brabant would object. Coins of "five double-sovereigns" were nonetheless issued, albeit in very small quantities, but were never incorporated into monetary circulation and probably only circulated in private hands, as patterns or pleasure coins. Some were mounted as jewellery, like our example. It was not until 1755 that Vienna eventually forced the hand of the local authorities and had silver coins minted in the name of Francis I for circulation., FRANC·D·G·R·I·S· A·GE·IER·R·LO·B·M·H·D·, IN TE DOMINE·SPERAVI·1751·(hand)