Is This For Real?

My 2007 Le Franc records 4, ranging from VF to AU, in recent sales. There are undoubtedly more they report, especially in lower grades. This is not low grade though, and if authentic it's a 500-1000 euro coin.

No misreading, though Le Franc 7's count of 4 is only what has been reported to them. More like a population report than an exact count but still low enough for them to note that this is a rare coin.

I still don't like the form of the MA mintmark so I won't be chasing you at the end of the auction. I think it's a real 5F that's been doctored. Compare the MA with this, which is about the same grade. http://www.cgb.fr/5-francs-louis-xv...49453,a.html

The cracked planchet is another oddity. It doesn't appear cracked through, and I haven't seen a lot of French coins this late with cracking like this, which look almost like solder lines.

thq: Honestly I don't see the difference, can you point it out for me?