France 1550-H douzain
This specimen was lot 73311 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2023), where it sold for $168. The catalog description[1] noted, "FRANCE. Douzan, 1550-H. La Rochelle Mint. Henry II. NGC MS-62. A phenomenal Mint State example, delivering a rich eye appeal and strong charm throughout." This douzain aux croissants was a billon coin issued in large numbers during the reign of Henry II (r. 1547-59). This specimen is from the La Rochelle mint. Milled coinage was experimental in the sixteenth century and would not be generally adopted in France until the reform of 1640-42. This type had a face value of twelve deniers tournois, a denomination later occupied by the copper sou. It is the most common silver coin from this reign.
Recorded mintage: 2,226,960.
Specification: 2.62-2.68 g, .292 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Dupl-997, Sb-4380 (24 examples reported).
- 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.
- Sombart, Stéphan, Franciae IV: Catalogue des Monnaies Royales Françaises de François Ier à Henri IV (1540-1610), Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 1997.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, November 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to:
- (1547-49)-M douzain à la croisette
- 1550-A gros de Nesle
- 1550-F douzain aux croissants
- 1550-K douzain aux croissants
- 1550-A teston à la tête couronnée
- 1550-D teston à la tête couronnée
- 1550-D double henri d'or
- 1551-M douzain aux croissants
- 1551-T douzain aux croissants
- Coins and currency dated 1550
- return to French royal coinage (to 1793)