France 1552-A teston
This specimen was lot 1104 in Jean Elsen sale 90 (Brussels, December 2006), where it sold for 160 euro. The catalog description noted,
"teston du moulin, s. d. (1552) A, Paris. D/B. l. a d. R/Ecu de France couronné. Rare, Beau a Tres Beau (milled teston, no date (1552), Paris mint. Obverse: laureate bust facing right; reverse: crowned shield of France. Rare, Fine to Very Fine)."
The portrait is of Henry II (r. 1547-59). Milled coinage was experimental in the sixteenth century and would not be generally adopted in France until the reform of 1640-42. This type was struck 1552-54 and, tho not rare, brings a premium because it was much better made than the hammered product. This example lacks a date.
Recorded mintage: est. 267,597 milled plus 202,878 hammered.
Specification: .899 fine silver, 9.59 g, this specimen 9.27 g.
Catalog reference: Dupl-987A, Ciani 1281, Laf.-825b, Sb 4584.
- Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
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