France (1411) blanc guenar
This type, called a blanc Guénar, with a face value of 10 deniers tournois, was issued over six emissions. The first emission was 3.26 g, 0.479 fine. The fourth emission of October 1411, which we believe is shown here, was 3.06 g, 0.399 fine. The sixth and final emission was 3.06 g, 0.212 fine. The fourth emission is noted for the introduction of secret marks for the mints. This issue is marked as a product of the Rouen mint by the colons punctuating the legends; the other mints used three dots. Demi-guénars also exist but are rare. The reign of Charles VI was an unhappy time for France as English armies marched back and forth, ravaging the land and Burgundians fought the Armagnacs. The second specimen was lot 1667 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €65 (about US$85 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Charles VI (1380-1422), AR blanc guénar, 4e émission (octobre 1411), point 6e (creux), Tours. D/ Ecu de France. R/ Croix cantonnée de deux couronnelles et de deux lis. Avec les S rétrogrades. Nettoyé. Très Beau à Superbe. (kingdom of France, Charles VI, 1380-1422, silver blanc guenar, fourth emission of October 1411, sixth point, Tours mint. Obverse: arms of France; reverse: cross cantonned with two coronets and two lilies. With reversed "S's", cleaned, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.06 g, 0.399 fine silver, the second specimen 2,92 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-377C1, Ci. 509; Laf. 381C, Roberts-2981.
- 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 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
Link to:
- (1385) blanc guenar, first emission
- (1389) denier tournois, Charles VI, 2nd emission
- (1389) blanc guenar, Charles VI, 2nd emission
- (1405) blanc guenar, Charles VI, 3rd emission, Paris mint
- Burgundy (1411-19) blanc
- (1411) écu d'or à la couronne, Paris mint
- (1417) blanc guenar, Charles VI, 5th emission, Tournai mint
- Coins and currency dated 1411
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)