Viennois (1440-56) 1/2 gros
This specimen was lot 901 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,
"FRANCE, DAUPHINÉ, Louis de France, héritier de Charles VII (1440-1456), billon demi-blanc, Romans (point 2e). D/ Écu écartelé de France et Dauphiné. R/ Croix pattée, cantonnée de deux lis et deux dauphins. Rare. (kingdom of France, dauphins of Viennois, Louis of France, crown prince of Charles VII, 1440-56, billon half blanc, Romans mint, dot under second letter. Obverse: quartered arms of France and Dauphiné; reverse: cross pattée, cantonned with two dolphins and two lilies. Rare, about Very Fine)
Louis, after a long career as a troublemaker, ruled as king of France 1461-83. The Viennois (also known as Dauphiné) had been ruled by an independent dynasty since the early 1300's. Louis' accession ended the province's independence but separate coinage was issued for it until the reign of Charles IX (1560-74).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon, this specimen is 1,54 g.
Catalog reference: B. 1105; P.A. 4988; D. 2517.
- 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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