France (1488) karolus
This specimen was lot 1035 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €90 (about US$128 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Charles VIII (1483-1498), AR karolus, novembre 1488, point 21e, Châlons-en-Champagne. D/ Grand K oncial couronné, accosté de deux lis. R/ Croix couronnée, cantonnée de quatre lis. Rare. Très Beau. (kingdom of France, Charles VIII, 1483-98, silver karolus, November 1488, dot under 21st letter, Châlons-en-Champagne mint. Obverse: large crowned uncial "K" between two lilies; reverse: crowned cross cantonned with four lilies. Rare, Very Fine.)"
This karolus, or ten 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: 2.64 g, 0.319 fine silver, this specimen 2,40 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-593; Ci. 814; Laf. 568.
- 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:
- (1483-98) écu d'or au soleil du Dauphiné
- (1488) liard au dauphin, Paris mint
- (1488) petit karolus
- (1488-98)-B blanc à la couronne, Bourges mint
- (1489) niquet
- (1490-98) douzain du Dauphiné
- (1491-98) karolus de Bretagne
- (1498-1515) denier tournois
- Coins and currency dated 1488
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)