France (1419) florette
This specimen was lot 737 in Jean Elsen sale 160 (Brussels, November 2024), where it sold for €220 (about US$279 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Henri V d'Angleterre, prétendant au trône de France (1415-1420), AR florette, 1re émission (janvier 1419), Rouen. D/ Les lis de France sous une couronne. R/ Croix fleurdelisée, cantonnée d'une couronne et d'un léopard. Rare. Flan irrégulier. Nettoyé. Fines griffes. Très Beau. (kingdom of France, Henry V of England as pretender, 1415-20, silver florette, first emission of January 1419, Rouen mint. Obverse: the lilies of France below a crown; reverse: floriate cross cantonned with a crown and a leopard. Rare, irregular planchet, cleaned, fine scratches, very fine.)"
This billon coin had a face value of 20 deniers tournois and was issued in three emissions, of which this is from the first. It is a copy of the gros florette issued by the deceased Charles VI. The English later issued the blanc aux écus, worth ten deniers, and the petit blanc aux écus, worth five deniers. English control of northern France and the mints located there lasted only until 1436.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.059 g, 0.425 fine silver, this specimen is 2,94 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-435; Ci. 589; Laf. 439.
- 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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