Burgundy (1411-19) blanc
This specimen was lot 861 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €80 (about US$104 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, BOURGOGNE, Duché, Jean sans Peur (1404-1419), AR grand blanc, après 1411, Auxonne (point 1er). D/ Ecu de Bourgogne nouveau. R/ Croix pattée cantonnée de deux lions et de deux lis. Ponctuation: trèfles au droit et croissants au revers. Belle patine. Très Beau. (France, duchy of Burgundy, John the Fearless, 1404-19, silver large blanc, struck after 1411, Auxonne mint. Obverse: new arms of Burgundy; reverse: cross pattée cantonned with two lions and two lilies. Punctuated with trefoils on the obverse and crescents on the reverse. Nice patina, Very Fine.)"
We will file this coin under both France (where this was made) and the Netherlands (the source of John's power and wealth). Wikipedia comments,
"John I (1371 – 1419) was a scion of the French royal family who ruled the Burgundian State from 1404 until his assassination in 1419. He played a key role in French national affairs during the early 15th century, particularly in the struggles to rule the country for the mentally ill King Charles VI, his cousin, and the Hundred Years' War with England. A rash, ruthless and unscrupulous politician, John murdered the King's brother, the Duke of Orléans, in an attempt to gain control of the government, which led to the eruption of the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War in France and in turn culminated in his own assassination in 1419."
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.06 g, 0.399 fine silver, this specimen 2,91 g.
Catalog reference: B. 1224; Dumas 14-5-3.
- 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 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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