Lorraine 1581 1/4 teston
This specimen was lot 1298 in Jean Elsen sale 133 (Brussels, June 2017), where it sold for €170 (about US$225 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, LORRAINE, Duché, Charles III (1545-1608), AR quart de teston, 1581, Nancy. D/ B. âgé et cuir. à d. R/ Ecu couronné, accosté de deux croix de Lorraine. Date à l'ex. Rare. Beau à Très Beau/Très Beau. (duchy of Lorraine, Charles III, 1545-1608, silver quarter teston of 1581, Nancy mint. Obverse: armored older bust to right; reverse: crowned arms divide two crosses of Lorraine, date below. Rare, fine to very fine.)"
Altho the duke doubtless spoke French, he did not consider himself a subject of the king of France but rather of the emperor. The province would not fall under French domination until after the Thirty Years War and was not annexed until the death of the last duke in 1766.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.3 g, silver, this specimen 2,25 g.
Catalog reference: Saulcy XXII, 3; coll. Robert 1467; Flon 647, 99.
- 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 133, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2017.
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