Burgundy (1417-18) blanc guenar
This specimen was lot 894 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €200 (about US$231 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, BOURGOGNE, Duché, Jean sans Peur (1404-1419), AR grand blanc (guénar), 1417-1418. Globule à la pointe de l'écu. Sans différent d'atelier. Légende fautive au droit. D/ + IOHANES DNI (sic) BVRGVNDIE Écu de Bourgogne nouveau. R/ +SIT NOME DNI BENEDICTV Croix pattée cantonnée de deux lis et de deux lions. Très rare. Belle patine. (kingdom of France, duchy of Burgundy, John the Fearless, 1404-19, silver granc blanc or guenar, circa 1417-18, dot at the point of the shield, without mintmark, defective legend on the obverse. Obverse: arms of New Burgundy; reverse: cross pattée cantonned with two lilies and two lions. Very rare, nice patina, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
Numista notes that this type was struck in substantial numbers in numerous varieties, starting in 1404. 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."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.95 g, 0.439 fine silver, 25.5 mm diameter, this specimen is 2,99 g.
Catalog reference: Dumas 14-7-1 var.; coll. Amateur bourguignon -.
- 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 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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