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Essai Coin - What is an Essai?

By Susan Headley, About.com

Definition: Essai is a term used in world coin collecting to denote a pattern coin generally issued by the French-speaking nations. Unlike the usual conception of a U.S. pattern coin, Essais are often intentionally made for collectors.

See also - pattern coin.
Also Known As: pattern coin
Examples: Certain French island territories issue Proof quality Essai specimens struck by hand especially for coin collectors.

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