France 1563-D teston

Heritage sale 61259, lot 99013

This specimen was lot 99013 in Heritage sale 61259 (Dallas, TX, February 2022), where it sold for $119. The catalog description^[1] noted, "France: Charles IX Teston 1563-D XF45 NGC, Lyon mint, Exhibiting light surface friction and sharp glints of residual argent luster." This type, worth 12 sols tournois, was struck 1561-74. Note the date in Roman numerals. It was struck at Lyon. The reverse, which lacks crowned "C's", is peculiar to this mint. Another teston struck by the rebel Huguenots featured the king's bust right (Dupl-1073). This is not a rare date, with six examples reported in Sombart.

Recorded mintage: 83,895, including a few half testons.

Specification: 9.59 g, .899 fine silver, this specimen 9.43 g.

Catalog reference: Sb 4618, Dup-1071.

Source:

• Sombart, Stéphan, Franciae IV: Catalogue des Monnaies Royales Françaises de François Ier à Henri IV (1540-1610), Paris: Éditions les Chevau-légers, 1997.
• Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
• ^[1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, The Long Island Collection of French Coins Showcase Auction #61259, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.

Link to:

• 1562-L teston
• 1562-Z teston du Dauphiné
• 1562-D écu d'or au soleil
• 1563-D demi-teston
• 1563-L teston
• 1563-M teston
• 1563-Z teston du Dauphiné
• 1563-B écu d'or au soleil
• 1563-C écu d'or au soleil
• 1564-L teston
• Coins and currency dated 1563
• return to French royal coinage (to 1793)