France (1488) 1/2 karolus
This specimen was lot 949 in Jean Elsen sale 146 (Brussels, November 2020), where it sold for €120 (about US$175 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Charles VIII (1483-1498), billon petit karolus, novembre 1488, point 5e, Toulouse. D/ Grand K oncial couronné, accosté de deux lis. R/ Croix couronnée, cantonnée de quatre lis. Rare. presque Très Beau. (kingdom of France, Charles VIII, 1483-98, billon little carolus, November 1488, fifth point, Toulouse mint. Obverse: large crowned uncial "K" between two lilies; reverse: crowned cross, cantonned with four lilies. Rare, about Very Fine.)"
This petit karolus, or five deniers tournois, was issued simultaneously with the douzain, or twelve deniers tournois, which eventually won out and the karolus was abandoned.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.32 g, 0.319 fine silver, this specimen 1,12 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-594; Ci. 816; Laf. 569.
- 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 146: Collection Anthony Lorrain Monnaies de Metz, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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