France (1226-70) gros tournois
The first specimen was lot 23520 in Heritage sale 3030 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $1,527.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Louis IX (1226-70) Gros Tournois c.1266-70, MS64 NGC. + LVDOVICVS REX | BNDICTV : SIT : NOMЄ : DNI : NP(sic)I : DЄI : IhV : XPI, cross pattée within concentric legends / + TVRONVS CIVIS, châtel tournois and legend within twelve lis in ovals. A significant coin both in terms of condition and historical importance, this specimen is exceptional in its preservation, fabulously struck with choice surfaces and beautiful iridescent tone. There are a couple of small cracks in the edges of the flan, as struck. This is the first gros-sized silver coin minted north of the alps and was the forerunner of the Groat and Groschen, coins that would be a staple of late-Medieval and Early Modern commerce in Central Europe and the British Isles. From The Formosa Collection." The third specimen was lot 1710 in Goldberg sale 128 (Los Angeles, June 2022), where it sold for $456. The catalog description[2] noted, "France. Gros Tournois, undated. Louis IX, 1226-1270. Chatel Tournois and legend within twelve lis in ovals. Reverse: Cross pattee within concentric legends. Pop 2; 2 in 58. PCGS graded AU-55." This type, worth twelve deniers tournois, was struck 1266-1270.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.21 g, 0.958 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Duplessy-190, Roberts-2451.
- Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome I, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3030, featuring the RLM Collection, the Isaac Rudman Collection, the Hans Cook Collection and the Collection of Donald E. Bently, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
- [2]Goldberg, Ira, Larry Goldberg, Stephen Harvey and Vera Liu, Goldberg Sale 128: the Pre-Long Beach Auction, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2022.
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