20 Francs - Louis Philippe I pattern with a module of 20 Francs

Pattern coinage from 1830 France demands careful reading of its political moment. Louis Philippe I came to power in July of that year through the "Three Glorious Days" — the street revolution that deposed Charles X — and the new Orléanist regime moved quickly to establish its monetary imagery. These essais were struck at the Paris Mint as the administration worked through competing design proposals before committing to production coinage, meaning this piece predates any public circulation and reflects the tentative, contested early weeks of the July Monarchy.

The Mazelin references 1129 and 1131 denote distinct varieties within this pattern group, likely differing in edge treatment or die state.