France 1560-D teston

from the Mountain Groan Collection

The teston, originally an Italian coin, was introduced into France by François I in the 1530's. Dates and mintmarks were added in 1540. The denomination was struck until 1576, when it was superseded by the demi-franc. Duplessy lists this type for 1559-60 but it is unchanged from the teston à la tête nue, premier type of Henry II. It was struck after the death of Henry II in 1559. No coinage exists with portrait of François II; Henry's bust was used until 1562.

Recorded mintage: 184,059, probably the most common date.

Specification: 9.59 g, .899 fine silver.

Catalog reference: Dupl-1031; Sb-4558.

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.
• Sombart, Stéphan, Franciae IV: Catalogue des Monnaies Royales Françaises de François Ier à Henri IV (1540-1610), Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 1997.

Link to:

• 1559-M teston
• 1559-K teston
• 1560-D demi-teston
• 1560-M demi-teston
• 1560-L teston
• 1560-M teston
• 1560-Z teston du Dauphiné
• France 1560-G 2 henri d'or
• 1561-L teston
• Coins and currency dated 1560