Hainaut (1345-56) gros
This specimen was lot 1159 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €120 (about US$139 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"HAINAUT, Comté, Marguerite II d'Avesnes (1345-1356), AR gros à l'aigle, Valenciennes. D/ + MARGARET' COM' HANON' Symbole de Valenciennes sur une aigle éployée. Bordure de treize lis. R/ + MONETA VALENCENENSIS Croix pattée cantonnée d'une aigle au 1er et d'un lion au 4e. Rare. Légèrement ébréché. (county of Hainaut, Marguerite II d'Avesnes, 1345-56, silver groat with the eagle, Valenciennes mint. Obverse: badge of Valenciences over an eagle displayed withon a border of thrteen lilies; reverse: cross pattée cantonned with an eagle and a lion. Rare, small chips, Very Fine.)
The weak strike on the obverse has garbled the devices but the eagle and the badge can be made out with careful scrutiny. Numista comments, "Chalon Hainaut 85 is similar, but has only twelve fleur-de-lis [on the] obverse, and was made to a lower weight standard."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.8 g, silver, 31 mm diameter, this specimen is 3,58 g.
Catalog reference: Chalon, Suppl., p. XXVIII, 84 var.; Lucas, Hainaut, 105; Decroly 2.8.05-01.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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