France 1573-M teston
This specimen was lot 42748 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2019), where it sold for $720. The catalog description[1] noted, "FRANCE. Teston, 1573-M. Toulouse Mint. Charles IX (1560-74). NGC AU-55. Well struck with impressive detail through the obverse portrait and reverse shield as well as most of the peripheral legends. Rich toning, without any underlying distractions, pleases as well. Among the very finest we've seen of this issue. From the Collection of Dr. James Eustace Bizzell, II. Ex: Kunker Auction, lot 2205, October 2012 @ 1,100 Euros." This type was struck 1572-74 and was the eighth teston of the reign.
Recorded mintage: est. 286,186 (including unbearded testons of Charles IX), a fairly common date.
Specification: 9.59 g, .899 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Roberts-3561; Dupl-1077, Sb 4634.
- 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]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2014 Chicago ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the David O'Harrow Collection, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
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