France (1512)-Rouen 1/2 gros
This specimen was lot 1664 in Jean Elsen sale 155 (Brussels, June 2023), where it sold for €1,200 (about US$1,572 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, Royaume, Louis XII (1498-1515), AR demi-gros de roi, février 1512, point 15e, Rouen. D/ Ecu de France couronné, entre deux lis couronnés. R/ Croix échancrée, cantonnée de deux L onciaux et deux lis, chacun sur un annelet. Très rare. Très Beau. Provient de notre vente 130, 10 septembre 2016, 1028. (kingdom of France, Louis XII, 1498-1515, silver royal half groat, Fedruary 1512, dot under 15th letter, Rouen mint. Obverse: crowned arms of France between two lilies; reverse: cross cantonned with uncial "L's" and two lilies. Very rare, Very Fine.)"
This type, worth fifteen deniers tournois, accompanied a gros de roi worth thirty deniers tournois. There was also a douzain (twelve deniers tournois) and a sizain (six deniers tournois). Louis XII spent most of his reign and his treasure on his Italian adventures, wherein he tried and failed to conquer Milan and Naples.
Recorded mintage: unknown but few.
Specification: 3.55 g, .358 fine silver, this specimen 3,26 g.
Catalog reference: Roberts-3102, Dupl-663; Ci. 927; Laf. 604.
- Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 155, Collection Marc Bar et Distinctions de Jean-Baptiste Nothomb, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
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