Viennois (1364-80) dizain
This specimen was lot 899 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €130 (about US$150 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, DAUPHINÉ, Charles V, roi dauphin (1364-1380), AR dizain (gros delphinal). D/ +:KROLVS: FRANCORV: REX Dauphin à g. R/ +:ET: DALPHS: VIENESIS Croix terminée par des couronnelles, cantonnée de deux dauphins et deux lis. Légère faiblesse de frappe. (kingdom of France, dauphins of Viennois, Charles V, 1364-80, silver dizain or gros delphinal. Obverse: dolphine facing left; reverse: cross with coronets on the ends, cantonned with two dolphins and two lilies. Slightly weakly struck, about Very Fine.)
The Viennois (also known as Dauphiné) had been ruled by an independent dynasty since the early 1300's. The last dauphin, having no heirs and facing bankruptcy, sold his domain to the king of France on condition that the crown prince would bear the title dauphin, which title Charles V held as prince 1349-64 and as king 1364-68. He delegated the title to his son, Charles VI, who was dauphin as prince 1368-80 and as king 1380-92.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon, this specimen is 1,60 g.
Catalog reference: P.A. 4915; Ci. 480; D. 2471.
- 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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