"Can any of your many contacts provide a reproducible pic of a Monneron 2 Sol pattern piece (that's Hercules / Pyramid)? I'm a collector in NZ who cannot find one on the web..."

I didn't manage to compile responses until now, but Ken Spindler was able to provide an image and much more. Thanks! Here's Ken's response. -Editor

Jim agreed that this is the piece he'd been looking for. -Editor

"I have seen another but it lacked the owl and I think it a fraud. Many thanks for your prompt response."

In post-revolution France the state coffers were empty and the overissuance of paper money caused inflation and led to the disappearance of coinage from commerce. To address the small change shortage, private entrepreneurs put copper coins into circulation. Paris merchants the Monneron brothers contracted to have pieces of 2 and 5 sols made in England by Matthew Boulton.

Thanks, everyone! Interesting piece. -Editor