Liege (1389) 1/2 griffon
This specimen was lot 739 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €70 (about US$97 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"LIÈGE, Principauté, Jean de Bavière, élu (1389-1418), AR demi-griffon, s.d. (1389), Liège. D/ Griffon assis à g., soutenant l'écu de Bavière-Palatinat. R/ + MON-ETA L-EODI-ECIS Croix pattée coupant la légende, posée sur un quadrilobe, portant en coeur l'écusson de Bavière. (prince-bishopric of Liège, John of Bavaria, bishop elect, 1389-1418, undated silver half griffin, circa 1389, Liège mint. Obverse: griffon seated left, supporting the arms of Bavaria-Palatinate; reverse: cross pattée divides the legend, superimposed over a quadrilobe, the arms of Bavaria in the center. about Very Fine.)"
John was the first Wittelsbach to become bishop of Liège. He quickly antagonized his subjects and was thrown out more than once, each time being restored by his brother, William of Holland. After his brother's death, John, who had never become a priest, surrendered the diocese in order to succeed him. The dies were also used to strike gold coins.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.25 g, silver, 22 mm diameter. this specimen 1,28 g.
Catalog reference: Chestret 291; Dengis 614.
- 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 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to: