Bar (1431-53) gros

Jean Elsen sale 140, lot 404

This specimen was lot 404 in Jean Elsen sale 140 (Brussels, March 2019), where it sold for €1,100 (about US$1,465 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"FRANCE, BAR, Duché, René Ier d'Anjou (1419-1453), AR gros, 1431-1453, Saint-Mihiel. D/ Champ écartelé d'Anjou et Bar, Lorraine sur le tout. R/ Epée en pal, accostée d'un bar entre trois croisettes et d'un alérion. Très Beau à Superbe. (France, duchy of Bar, René of Anjou, 1419-53, silver groat, St. Mihiel mint. Obverse: quartered fields with Anjou, Bar and Lorraine; reverse: an upright sword divides an eagle and a pike. Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"

The native dynasty of the duchy of Bar fell extinct in 1430 and title passed to René of Anjou. He and his wife inherited Lorraine in 1431 and in 1506 the two duchies were declared inseparable. During René's checkered career, he attempted to seize Naples and Aragon. The king of France left the province alone until the mid-seventeenth century, when Richelieu desired to add it to the kingdom. Interference and occupation were frequent until both Lorraine and Bar passed to France in 1766. This type was accompanied by a demi-gros.

Reported Mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen 2,25 g.

Catalog reference: Flon 488, 9; Saulcy XI, 1; coll. Robert 1374.

Source:

• ^[1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 140, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2019.

Link to:

• Bar (1431-53) 1/2 gros
• Aragon (1466-70) pacifico Fr-27 issued by René d'Anjou
• Coins and currency dated 1431
• return to French royal coinage (to 1793)