France (1352) blanc
This specimen was lot 731 in Jean Elsen sale 160 (Brussels, November 2024), where it sold for €120 (about US$152 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Jean II le Bon (1350-1364), billon blanc à l'épi, 1e émission (janvier 1352). D/ Croix coupant la légende intérieure: + IO-HAN-NES- REX. R/ TVRONVS· CIVIS Châtel tournois sommé d'un fleuron. Bordure de douze lis. presque Très Beau. (kingdom of France, John II the Good, 1350-64, billon blanc of the blade, first emission of January 1352. Obverse: a cross divides the interior legend; reverse: a castle of Tours, a florette above, with a border of twelve lilies. About very fine.)"
This billon coin was worth 8 deniers tournois and was issued in four emissions. Jean II was captured by the English at the battle of Poitiers in 1356 and spent most of the rest of his reign in captivity. He died in 1364, aged 44 years.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.001 g, 0.346 fine silver, this specimen is 2,73 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-297; Ci. 369; Laf. 300.
- 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]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 160, Collection de deniers liegeois et Collection de monnaies d'or francaises, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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