France (1507) douzain
This specimen was lot 1047 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €190 (about US$271 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Louis XII (1498-1515), billon douzain au porc-épic, novembre 1507, Dijon (coquille initiale). D/ Ecu de France couronné, posé sur un porc-épic. R/ Croix cantonnée de quatre lis. Rare Double frappe au revers. Très Beau. (kingdom of France, Louis XII (1498-1515), billon douzain of the porcupine, November 1507, Dijon mint (initial scallop shell). Obverse: crowned arms of France over a porcupine; reverse: cross cantonned with four liies. Rare, double struck on the reverse, Very Fine.)"
This douzain was produced at many mints with many subtypes. It was worth twelve deniers tournois, the same as the grand blanc, and is often confused with it. The porcupine was the king's personal badge.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.84 g, 0.359 fine silver, this specimen 2,54 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-672; Ci. 935; Laf. 611.
- 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:
- (1498-1515) blanc de Provence
- (1503-06) blanc de Provence
- (1507-15) écu d'or au porc-épic
- (1507-15) écu d'or au porc-épic
- (1515-40) grand blanc de Bretagne, Rennes mint
- (1515-47) grand blanc du Dauphiné, Crémieu mint
- (1515) grand blanc à la couronne (douzain)
- Coins and currency dated 1507
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)