20 Francs pattern of Catel

The Second Republic's coinage was deeply contested political terrain. Following Louis-Philippe's abdication in February 1848, the provisional government solicited competing designs through an open competition — an unprecedented democratic gesture for French numismatics. Catel's pattern was among dozens submitted, most of which were rejected outright before the final type was settled. Tin was the standard medium for trial strikes of this period, chosen for ease of die impression rather than any monetary intent.

This piece never progressed beyond the essai stage.