Nevers and Rethel 1638 double tournois
This specimen was lot 1374 in Jean Elsen sale 154 (Brussels, March 2023), where it sold for €60 (about US$78 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ARCHES, Principauté, Charles II de Gonzague (1637-1659), Cu double tournois, 1638, Charleville. D/ B. à d., avec col de dentelle. R/ Trois lis dans le champ, les armes d'Alençon sur le tour. Très rare. Très Beau. Provient de la collection Tissière, 2128. (principality of Nevers and Rethel, Charles II of Gonzaga, 1637-59, copper double tournois of 1638, Charleville mint. Obverse: bust right with toothed collar; reverse: three lilies in the field, the arms of Alençon over a tower. Very rare, Very Fine.)"
The county of Rethel and the duchy of Nevers, located in northeast France, were the heritage of the dukes of Mantua, who struck coins for the region until 1653. This double tournois was struck 1639-42, 1645.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 2,10 g.
Catalog reference: KM 50, P.A. 6190; De Mey M89; CGKL 630.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 154, Trouvaille de Labuissière, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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