Bar (1431-53) 1/2 gros
The first specimen was lot 1696 in Sincona sale 47 (Zürich, May 2018), where it sold for 160 CHF (about US$192 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Bar, Herzogtum, René I. von Anjou, 1419-1480. 1/2 Groschen o. J. (1431-1453), Saint-Mihiel. Gutes sehr schön. (duchy of Bar, René I of Anjou, 1419-80, undated half gros, St. Mihiel mint. Good very fine.)"
The second specimen was lot 959 in Jean Elsen sale 146 (Brussels, November 2020), where it sold for €40 (about US$58 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"FRANCE, LORRAINE, Duché, René Ier d'Anjou (1431-1453), AR demi-gros, Saint-Mihiel. D/ Champ écartelé d'Anjou et Bar, Lorraine sur le tout. R/ MONETA FCT'- IN S MICHAL' Epée en pal entre un bar et un alérion. Beau à Très Beau. (kingdom of France, duchy of Lorraine, René d'Anjou, 1431-53, silver half groat, St.-Mihiel mint. Obverse: field quartered with Anjou, Bar and Lorraine; reverse: sword. Fine - Very Fine.)"
The native dynasty of the duchy of Bar fell extinct in 1430 and title passed to René of Anjou. He and his wife inherited Lorraine in 1431 and in 1506 the two duchies were declared inseparable. The king of France left the province alone until the mid-seventeenth century, when Richelieu desired to add it to the kingdom. Interference and occupation were frequent until both Lorraine and Bar passed to France in 1766. This type was accompanied by a gros.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, the first specimen 1.37 g, the second specimen 1,13 g.
Catalog reference: Flon 488, 11; Saulcy XI, 2; coll. Robert 1375.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Auction 47, World Coins and Medals, Coins and Medals from Switzerland, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2018.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 146: Collection Anthony Lorrain Monnaies de Metz, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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