Orange (1625-47) teston KM-69
This specimen was lot 73005 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $216. The catalog description[1] noted, "FRANCE. Orange. Teston, ND (1625-47). Frederick Henry. NGC EF-40. A charming example of feudal coinage, this attractive example displays nearly full legends and a rich mint glossiness that percolates throughout the flan. A wholesome and charming specimen that is sure to command a plethora of excited bids." The testons of this ruler do not come with dates. The SCWC divides them into KM 68 (small shield) and KM 69 (large shield, shown here). Both are scarce, with KM 69 being slightly better. The teston was not struck in France after 1577. The Principality of Orange was an enclave in the kingdom of France in the Rhone valley, ruled by the dukes of Nassau. The title passed to the Stadtholder of the Netherlands who remained a French ally so long as the Dutch were struggling with the Spanish. At the end of the Thirty Years War in 1648, the Spanish recognized Dutch independence and now William had to contend with Louis XIV, a much more formidable adversary. The French occupied Orange in 1672 and annexed it in 1702.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 9.17 g, 0.917 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-69; Dy-2169.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to: