France 1573-M ecu d'or
This specimen was lot 21167 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Las Vegas, August 2020), where it sold for $1,320. The catalog description[1] noted, "FRANCE. Ecu d'Or, 1573-M. Toulouse Mint. Charles IX. NGC MS-62. An interesting sub-variety with pellets in each quadrant of the cross at the beginning of the reverse legend. Accents such as what's mentioned above seem to appear on other dates of this issue from this mint, but doesn't seem to be a defining characteristic. A nicely preserved survivor with a slightly uneven strike displaying bold central devices and nearly complete strong legends on both sides. A small area of weakness at 6 on the obverse and corresponding portion of the reverse and a couple of letters on the reverse near the weak area are missing their tops are mentioned for accuracy. This wholesome and attractive example exhibits light signs of handling consistent for the grade displaying plenty of luster complemented by a pale gold color highlighted by hints of pale orange patina on the high points of the obverse." This coin is called the écu d'or au soleil in Duplessy[2] with a face value of fifty sols tournois and is noted with many variations in obverse and reverse legends.
Recorded mintage: 11,100[3].
Specification: 3.37 g, .958 fine gold, this specimen 3.35 g.
Catalog reference: Sb 4904, Fr-378; Dupl-1057; Ciani-1343.
- [2]Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The August 2020 ANA Auction: World Coins, featuring the Duke of Lansing Collection, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
- [3]Sombart, Stéphan, Franciae IV: Catalogue des Monnaies Royales Françaises de François Ier à Henri IV (1540-1610), Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 1997.
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