Brittany (1355-62) gros
This specimen was lot 1402 in Jean Elsen sale 155 (Brussels, June 2023), where it sold for €380 (about US$498 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, BRETAGNE, Duché, Jean IV (1345-1399), AR gros aux cinq mouchetures, vers 1355-1362, Brest. D/ Cinq mouchetures d'hermine posées 3 et 2. R/ Croix longue cantonnée de quatre groupes de trois globules, coupant la légende MO-NET-A BR-EST. Un point au 3e canton. Rare. Légère faiblesse de frappe. Très Beau. (France, duchy of Brittany, John IV, 1345-99, silver groat of five ermines, struck circa 1355-62, Brest mint. Obverse: five ermines posed three over two; reverse: long cross cantonned with four groups of three pellets, dividing the legend. A dot in the third canton. Rare, slightly weakly struck, Very Fine.)"
Wikipedia comments,
"John IV the Conqueror KG (in Breton Yann IV, in French Jean IV, and traditionally in English sources both John of Montfort and John V) (1339-99), was Duke of Brittany and Count of Montfort from 1345 until his death and 7th Earl of Richmond from 1372 until his death."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 2,19 g.
Catalog reference: Jézéquel 236; P.A. -; D. 184.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 155, Collection Marc Bar et Distinctions de Jean-Baptiste Nothomb, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
Link to:
- (1341-64) demi-gros à la couronne, Charles de Blois
- (1341-64) gros à la fleur de lis, Charles de Blois
- (1341-64) gros au lion, Charles de Blois
- Brittany (1345-99) blanc
- (1365-85) denier, Jean IV
- Brittany (1358-59) royal d'or Fr-92
- (1385-99) blanc guénar, Jean IV
- (1399-1411) billon blanc, Jean V
- Coins and currency dated 1355
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)