France (1498) blanc

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This denomination, worth twelve deniers tournois, was struck in many types during the reign of Louis XII (1498-1514) The blanc de Bretagne was introduced in 1498. It marked Louis's marriage to Anne of Brittany, widow of his older brother Charles VIII (1483-98). History does not record whether it was a love match but her duchy of Brittany was much too valuable to be allowed to escape royal control. Other blancs issued during his reign include a grand blanc à la couronne (Dupl-664) and blanc de Provence (Dupl-667, -668, -669).

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 2.84 g, .359 fine silver.

Catalog reference: Dupl-666.

Source:

• Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
• Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.

Links to:

• (1498-1515) denier tournois
• (1498-1515) blanc de Provence, Tarascon mint
• (1498) grand blanc à la couronne
• (1498-1515) douzain au porc-épic de Bretagne
• Brittany (1498-99) blanc à l'écu, Anne
• (1498) demi-écu d'or au soleil, Toulouse mint
• (1498)-b écu d'or au soleil, Bourges mint
• (1498) écu d'or au soleil, Lyon mint
• (1498-1515) ecu d'or au soleil de Bretagne
• (1498-1507) écu d'or au soleil du Dauphiné
• Coins and currency dated 1498
• return to French royal coinage (to 1793)