Avignon 1636 double tournois
This specimen was lot 1841 in Jean Elsen sale 154 (Brussels, March 2023), where it sold for €130 (about US$168 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, ETATS PONTIFICAUX, Urbain VIII (1623-1644), (Maffeo Barberini), Cu double tournois, 1636, Avignon. D/ B. à d. R/ Trois abeilles dans le champ. Très Beau. (France, Papal States, Urban VIII, 1623-44, copper double tournois of 1636, Avignon mint. Obverse: bust right; reverse: three bees in the field. Very Fine.)"
The popes held Avignon and the county of Venaissin until the French Revolution, when it was forcibly annexed to France. This type was struck 1635-40 and ND. It imitated the copper double tournois being struck in large numbers in France.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 2,42 g.
Catalog reference: KM 53, Munt. 228a; Berman 1802; CGKL 770.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 154, Trouvaille de Labuissière, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
Link to:
- Avignon 1608 1/2 franc KM-9
- Lixheim 1633 2 tournois
- Lowenstein-Wertheim-Rochefort 1633 2 tournois
- France 1634-E double tournois
- France 1636 double lorrain au bust viril lauré
- Boisbelle-Henrichemont 1636-L 2 tournois
- Nevers and Rethel 1636 double tournois
- Avignon 1639 1/2 franc
- Coins and currency dated 1636
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)