France (1447) denier
This specimen was lot 1025 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €180 (about US$257 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Charles VII (1422-1461), Billon denier parisis, 2e émission (janvier 1447), atelier indéterminé. D/ FRAN sous un trait. Le O de KAROLVS pointé. R/ Croix fleurdelisée. Avec point sous les dernières lettres des légendes. Rare. Très Beau. (kingdom of France, Charles VII, 1422-61, billon denier parisis, second emission (January 1447), unknown mint. Obverse: "FRAN" below a line with the "O" of "KAROLVS" pointed; reverse: floriate cross, with a dot under the last letter of the legends. Rare, Very Fine.)"
This denier parisis is descended from the denier issued by the Carolingians which, in turn, was modelled on the Roman denarius. Centuries of debasement reduced this coin to near worthlessness. In fact, this second emission issue is a debasement from the first emission, which was 0.119 fine silver.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.27 g, 0.105 fine silver, this specimen 1,02 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-527; Ci. -; Laf. 519.
- 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 145, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
Link to:
- (1447) demi-écu d'or à la couronne, Paris mint
- (1447) écu d'or à la couronne, third emission, Bourges mint
- (1447) écu d'or à la couronne, fourth emission, Montpellier mint
- (1461) denier tournois
- France (1489) niquet = 3/5 denier tournois
- Coins and currency dated 1447
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)