Brittany (1442-88) 1/2 blanc
This specimen was lot 751 in Jean Elsen sale 151 (Brussels, June 2022), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, BRETAGNE, Duché, François Ier (1442-1450) ou François II (1458-1488), AR demi-blanc à la targe, Rennes. D/ Targe échancrée, chargée de cinq mouchetures. R à la fin de la légende. R/ Croix pattée. Rare. presque Très Beau. (France, duchy of Brittany, Francis I or Francis II (1442-98), silver half blanc, Rennes mint. Obverse: scalloped shield, charged with five ermines, "R" at the end of the legend; reverse: cross pattée. Rare, about Very Fine.)"
While earlier dukes had successfully preserved the independence of their realm, the growing strength of the French monarchy made Francis' position ever more precarious. The end of the Hundred Years War in 1453 removed the English presence from France which had served as a useful counterweight. His daughter, Anne, was compelled to marry the king of France (first Charles VIII and then Louis XII) and surrender her sovereignty.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver. This specimen is 1,40 g.
Catalog reference: Jézéquel 395; D. 322, Roberts-6143.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 151: Collection Paul Witte, Monnaies de Brabant, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2022.
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