Description
ALGERIA
Second Empire / Napoleon III (1852–1870). Token issued by the Comptoir Algérien de Circulation, A. Rey et Compagnie 1854 (1860–1879), Paris.
Obverse: COMPTOIR ALGÉRIEN DE CIRCULATION. Centre: A. REY et C°.
Reverse: In five lines: MINTED IN ALGIERS ON 7 APRIL 1854.
Cat. 76 (2 known examples; unlisted) - Fayolle 147; Silver – 18.83 g – 35 mm – 12 h
Also exists in copper, with hand-stamped mark: Jean Lecompte collection (MDC 8 auction, lot 172 – €2,200 + fees).
Bearing a bee hallmark. Two copies known, according to Jean Lecompte! Minor signs of handling and scratches. Superb.
A shrewd businessman and follower of Saint-Simon, Josué Auguste Rey, having traded in Rabat and Tangier, settled in Algiers in 1845. In 1854, he founded, through a share issue, the Comptoir algérien de circulation, a credit bank dedicated to supporting the development of small businesses. Highly skilful, he focused his business on sectors different from those of the Banque de l’Algérie, which enabled rapid growth; as a result, his capital increased elevenfold in four years
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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