18 Francs, 40 Centimes, 4 Ounces French siege coinage - Small stamps

Historical Context: This 1813 18 Francs, 40 Centimes issue represents critical French siege coinage from Zara (modern Zadar), capital of the Napoleonic Illyrian Provinces. Struck from 4 ounces of silver, it was necessitated by the city's severe blockade by Austrian and British forces during the Sixth Coalition War. With external supply lines severed, the French administration issued emergency currency from melted silver to pay troops and sustain the populace, reflecting dire economic and military pressures on Napoleon's crumbling empire.

Artistry: As an emergency issue, artistic considerations were secondary. No specific engraver is attributed; the dies, likely crafted locally under duress, exhibit the crude, utilitarian aesthetic typical of siege coinage. The "small stamps" designation suggests an improvised production method, possibly utilizing punches or small, separately prepared dies for legends and values rather than a single master die. The resultant design is simplistic, focused purely on legibility of denomination, issuer, and date, devoid of elaborate iconography.

Technical/Grading: Given its emergency fabrication, strikes are typically weak and uneven. Key high points for grading include the legends "VILLE DE ZARA" and the denomination "18 F 40 C", particularly the serifs and fine details of the lettering. The date "1813" and any surrounding decorative elements should exhibit clear definition. Planchets are often irregular in shape and thickness; edge imperfections are common. Wear first manifests on the highest raised points of the legends and any central motifs, with loss of sharpness indicating circulation.