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Showcase of a private collection of coins from the Kingdom of the Franks and its dynastic offshoots.
Currently seeking coins satisfying these . Submit inquiries . - Gold and silver coins of exceptional strike or provenance.
- Issued by a dynasty originating in the Regnum Francorum.
- Issuer follows the Salic law of inheritance if applicable.

Merovingian Dynasty, Kingdom of Burgundy 1.43g, 15mm, 6h

Tremissis in the name of Justinian I (c. 527-565)

✠DNIVSTINIANVSPERPEAGV

Transcription: (Latin) DOMINUS NOSTER JUSTINIANUS PERPETUUS AUGUSTUS
Translation: Our Lord Justinian ever August.

While the letters AGV are likely to be yet another abbreviation of AVGVSTVS found on pseudo-imperial coinage, Pierre Crinon suggests that a deliberate ligature is formed out of the letters GV on the obverse, which could be read as the monogram of GENAVA (Geneva), then part of the Frankish kingdom.

Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Justinian I right.

✠ VI CTO R IA AGV

Transcription: (Latin) VICTORIA AUGUSTORUM | Translation: Victory of the Augusts.

Victory advancing to the right, bearing palm and wreath. A star in right field. This exceptional specimen, distinguished from imperial archetypes by its style and initial cross, was likely minted in the Burgundian kingdom following its annexation by the Franks in 534.
  • Die merowingischen Münzen in der Schweiz (Geiger, Revue Suisse de numismatique, Tome 58, 1979)
  • Quelques monnaies inédites de Lyon, Chalon-sur-Saône et proposition d'attribution à Genève (Crinon et al., BSFN, 2010)
  • Related entries: Burgundy, Merovingians

Merovingian Dynasty, Kingdom of Aquitaine 1.26g, 13mm, 6h

Tremissis (Banassac, c. 623-630)

No inscription

Diademed head right with occipital button and beaded neck border. Inverted branch with three lanceolate leaves to the right; all within wreath.

Belfort notes that the (olive) branch, a symbol of peace, here replaces the word PAX found on other coins of Elafius.

T ELAFIVS MONETA

Transcription: (Latin) T ELAFIUS MONETARIUS | Translation: Elafius Moneyer.

The seemingly isolated T before ELAFIVS is believed to be a degenerated residual of the initial cross of ☩ ELAFIVS MONETA from previous types, and might have appeared after the probable departure of Elafius from Banassac c. 623.

Chalice with curved, open-ended handles surmounted by cross; all within legend and wreath.

According to Grierson, the chalice might not have been related to the ancient industry of the locality, but is rather a play on the word gabali (Banassac being located in the Gévaudan region or civitas Gabalitorum) since this was close to a Celtic word for a cup which carried on into Old French as gobelet. Le Blanc, however, sees a reference to the Council of Tours held during the reign of King Charibert I in 567, in which the celebration of the Eucharist was revised by requiring that the host's receptacle, hitherto stored among other relics and images, be placed more visibly atop the altar and under a cross.

Tremissis in the name of the moneyer Elafius were minted at Banassac, a town known for its production of terra sigillata pottery. The portrait might correspond to Clothar II or Dagobert I.
  • Traité Historique des Monnoyes de France (Le Blanc, 1690) pp. 39-43
  • Monnaies Mérovingiennes du Gévaudan (Ponton d'Amécourt & Moré de Préviala, 1883) ref. 43
  • Description générale des monnaies mérovingiennes, Tome I (Belfort, 1892) ref. 667
  • Medieval European Coinage, Vol. 1 (Grierson & Blackburn, 1986) p. 133
  • Another coin struck from the same die is held by the BnF
  • Related entries: Aquitaine, Merovingians

Clovis II, King of Neustria and Burgundy 1.32g, 12.5mm, 7h

Tremissis (Amiens, c. 639-657)

The minting of tremissis in the name of Clovis II at Amiens might have begun as soon as Saint Eligius, the famous goldsmith and counselor to Clovis' father Dagobert, was nominated to the neighboring bishopric of Noyon in 641.

[SI]GCHRAMNO MA

Transcription: (Latin) SIGHRAMNO MONETA | Translation: Sicchramus Moneyer.

Engel & Serrure 1891 p. 107 list Sicchramus among the moneyer names of Teutonic origin. The stem Sic or Sig, meaning victory, is also shared by the more common name Sigebert.

Draped bust right wearing diadem ending with lemnisc.

✠AMBIANIS CIVE CLODOVI / R EX

Transcription: (Latin) AMBIANIS CIVE CLODOVICUS / REX | Translation: City of Amiens. Clovis, King.

Ornate cross ancrée set on base, flanked by R EX. Despite the characteristically short flan, the legend retains sufficient legibility to allow for a rare identification of the coin's effigy.

Chlothar II

King of the Franks

Merovingian

Bertrude*

Queen of the Franks

Merovingian

Dagobert I

King of the Franks

Merovingian

Nanthild

Queen of the Franks

Clovis II

King of Neustria and Burgundy

Merovingian

  • Traité de numismatique du moyen âge, Tome I (Engel & Serrure, 1891) pp. 82-84
  • Description générale des monnaies mérovingiennes, Tome I (Belfort, 1892) ref. 135 var.
  • Related entries: Merovingians

Charles I, King of the Franks and Lombards |
Carolingian Dynasty 1.04g, 16mm, 6h

Tremissis (Lucca/Milan, c. 774-781)

D•NC•A•RVLVSREX

Transcription: (Latin) DOMINUS NOSTER CARULUS REX | Translation: Our Lord Charles, King.

Cross potent.

FL AVIA LVCA

Transcription: (Latin) FLAVIA LUCA | Translation: (Honorific title) City of Lucca.

There are different interpretations of the meaning of the title Flavia, which harkens back to the Flavian emperors of the late Roman Empire. According to Grierson, it may have related to the status or loyalty of a town with respect to its sovereign, signified a formal concession of minting rights, or was conceded to cities as a mark of honor, much like the Roman title of Augusta. In the case of a dedication or homage to the sovereign, Bernareggi hypothesizes that the principal mint (probably Milan) would have struck them all using the names of the cities that wished to be remembered to the king. Wroth further argues that the title may be something more than an ornamental one and may have a technical meaning, implying that the city was akin to a royal burgh under the direct jurisdiction of the king or his representative.

Six-pointed star with additional short rays in voids; all within beading. Following his conquest of Italy in 774, Charlemagne initially continued the issues of gold tremisses with the same type and fineness as the former Lombard coinage.

Charles Martel

Duke of the Franks

Pippinids

Rotrude

Robertian*

Charibert

Count of Laon

Laon

Gisela

Aquitaine

Pippin

King of the Franks

Pippinids

Bertrada

Queen of the Franks

Laon

Charles I

King of the Franks

Carolingian (Founder)

  • Traité Historique des Monnoyes de France (Le Blanc, 1690) p. 91
  • Catalogue of the coins of the Vandals, Ostrogoths and Lombards (Wroth, BMC, 1911) p. lix
  • Medieval European Coinage, Vol. 1 (Grierson & Blackburn, 1986) p. 63
  • Émission monétaire et administration dans le royaume d'Italie (Rovelli, Revue Numismatique 165, 2009)
  • Carolingian gold coins from the Ilanz hoard (Bernareggi, Studies in Numismatic Method, 2010)
  • Related entries: Carolingians, Charlemagne, Lombards

Grimoald III, Duke of Benevento 3.80g, 20mm, 7h

Charles I, King of the Franks and Lombards

Solidus (Benevento, c. 788-792)

GRIM - ⧾ - VAL⋉

Transcription: (Latin) GRIMUALD DUX | Translation: Grimoald, Duke.

Crowned and bearded bust of Grimoald facing, wearing chlamys and holding globus cruciger in right hand.

The beard, a long time hallmark of the Lombards from which their name is derived, was retained by Grimoald in spite of the Carolingian command to shave in the manner of the Franks.

⋅DOMS⁘CAR⋅R⋅⋅ / VIC▲ / ς R

Transcription: (Latin) DOMINUS CAROLUS REX / VICTORIA / GRIMUALD
Translation: Lord Charles, King. / Victory. / Grimoald.

Here VIC▲ occupies the usual position of CONOB of similar types, and is likely an abbreviation of the VICTORIA introduced in exergue by Grimoald's father Arichis II.

Cross potent with base on three steps, flanked by G R monogram. Struck in the joint names of Grimoald and Charlemagne in recognition of Frankish suzerainty over Benevento.

Liutprand*

Duke of Benevento

Desiderius

King of the Lombards

Ansa

Queen of the Lombards

Arichis II

Duke of Benevento

Adalperga

Duchess of Benevento

Grimoald III

Duke of Benevento

  • Catalogue of the coins of the Vandals, Ostrogoths and Lombards (Wroth, BMC, 1911) pp. 170-173
  • The Lombards: the ancient Longobards (Christie, 1998) p. 220
  • Medieval European Coinage, Vol. 1 (Grierson & Blackburn, 1986) ref. 1098
  • Related entries: Carolingians, Charlemagne, Lombards

Roger II, King of Sicily, Duke of Apulia |
House of Hauteville 1.0g, 14mm, 6h

Tari (Palermo/Messina, 1138/39)

(...) /

Transcription: (Arabic) صب بمدينة صقلية سنة ثلث وثلثين وخمسمائه /المعتز بالله الملك رجار
Translation: Struck in the city of Sicily the year three and thirty and five hundred. / King Roger taking power from God.

The date is inferred from the partially legible legend.

Two concentric circles of Kufic legend around a central pellet.

(...) / IC XC NI KA

Transcription: (Arabic) صب بمدينة صقلية سنة ثلث وثلثين وخمسمائه / (Greek) IHCUC XPICTOC NIKA
Translation: Struck in the city of Sicily the year three and thirty and five hundred. / Jesus Christ Victor.

Processional cross with top right pellet, flanked by Greek monogram in quarters. A unique combination of Arabic and Greek legend, representative of the cultural syncretism of the Sicilian kingdom.

Tancred

Hauteville

Fredesende

Normandy*

Manfred

Marquis of Savona

Aleramici

Roger I

Count of Sicily

Hauteville

Adelaide

Countess of Sicily

Aleramici

Roger II

King of Sicily

Hauteville

  • Recherches sur la numismatique et la sigillographie des Normands de Sicile et d'Italie (Engel, 1882)
  • Medieval European Coinage, Vol. 14 (Grierson & Travaini, 1998) p. 622
  • Related entries: Roger I, Roger II

Charles I, King of Naples and Sicily, Count of Anjou |
House of Anjou (Capetian) 5.23g, 20mm, 1h

Real d'or (Messina, 1266-1278)

✠ KAROL´ DEI:GRˉA

Transcription: (Latin) KAROLUS DEI GRATIA
Translation: Charles, by the Grace of God

Crowned bust right wearing chlamys and tunic; lis to left.

✠ REX:SICILIE

Transcription: (Latin) REX SICILIE
Translation: King of Sicily.

Royal arms of France with a label of three points in chief.

Contrary to its later use as a mark of cadency for the eldest son, the (hardly visible) label here indicates that Charles was not the head of the royal house.

The first gold coin to feature the royal fleur-de-lis, here adorning what were to become the arms of Anjou, which Charles received as appanage from his brother Saint Louis.

Philip II

King of France

Capet

Isabelle

Queen of France

Flanders

Alfonso VIII

King of Castile

Burgundy (Comital)

Eleanor

Queen of Castile

Anjou

Louis VIII

King of France

Capet

Blanche

Queen of France

Burgundy (Comital)

Charles I

King of Sicily

Anjou (Capetian, Founder)

  • Medieval European Coinage, Vol. 14 (Grierson & Travaini, 1998) ref. 624
  • Related entries: Anjou, Kingdom of Naples

Charles I, King of Naples and Sicily, Count of Anjou |
House of Anjou (Capetian) 4.39g, 22mm, 11h

King of Jerusalem

Salut d'or (Naples, 1278-1285)

✠KAROL´⋅DEI⋅GRA⋅IERL´ M⋅SICILIE⋅REX

Transcription: (Latin) KAROLUS DEI GRATIA IERUSALEM SICILIE REX
Translation: Charles, by the Grace of God, King of Jerusalem and Sicily

Shield of Jerusalem-Anjou, with a crescent and two stars above and a rosette and two stars at each side.

In 1277 Charles of Anjou purchased the title of king of Jerusalem from Mary of Antioch, daughter of Bohemond IV of Antioch, for 1,000 bezants and an annuity of 4,000 livres tournois. He was crowned the following year.

✠AVE⋅GRACIA⋅PLENA⋅DOMINUS⋅TECUM

Transcription: (Latin) AVE [MARIA] GRACIA PLENA DOMINUS TE CUM
Translation: Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee.

Scene of the Annunciation, with the Archangel Gabriel to left and the Virgin to right and a flower-pot with lily between.

The dies of this type were engraved by a Brindisi goldsmith, Giovanni da Fortino, whose depiction of the Annunciation was very typical of French Gothic art at the time. Here the archangel raises his right hand in a gesture of speech to the Virgin, while the pomegranate he holds in his left is a traditional symbol of fertility.

The medal alignment of this type was specifically requested by Charles, so that the obverse shield and reverse figures should both be in an upright position when the coin was rotated in the hand.
  • Medieval European Coinage, Vol. 14 (Grierson & Travaini, 1998) p. 198, 205-206 and ref. 675
  • The Routledge Companion to the Crusades (Peter Lock, 2006) p. 119
  • Related entries: Anjou, Kingdom of Naples

Philip IV, King of France and Navarre |
House of Capet 6.94g, 30mm, 2h

Masse d'or (1296)

✠PHILIPPVSoDEIoGRAoFRANCHORVMoREX

Transcription: (Latin) PHILIPPUS DEI GRATIA FRANCHORUM REX
Translation: Philip, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.

King enthroned facing on curule chair, holding lis-tipped sceptre in right hand and lis in left; all within a tressure of arches with lis in angles and annulets in spandrels.

✠XP’CoVINCIToXP’CoREGNAToXP’CoIMPERAT

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS IMPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury with lis in angles and floret within quatrefoil in center, all within barbed quatrefoil with trefoils at point. The first round of currency debasement effected by Philip to sustain his military campaigns is here reflected in the coin's coppery tone, with its fineness fixed at 91.6%. From the Fernand David collection.

Louis IX

King of France

Capet

Margaret

Queen of France

Barcelona

James I

King of Aragon

Barcelona

Violant

Queen of Aragon

Árpád

Philip III

King of France

Capet

Isabella

Queen of France

Barcelona

Philip IV

King of France

Capet

  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome I (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 208
  • Related entries: Capet

Philip VI, King of France |
House of Valois 5.10g, 31mm, 9h, MS62 (NGC)

Pavillon d'or (1339)

PHILIPPVSoDEIGRAoFRANCHORVMoREX

Transcription: (Latin) PHILIPPUS DEI GRATIA FRANCHORUM REX
Translation: Philip, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.

King holding lis-tipped scepter, seated on curule chair under draped, lis-tipped pavilion decorated with fleur-de-lis.

✠ XP’CoVINCIToXP’CoREGNAToXP’CoIMPERAT

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS IMPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury in shape of rhomboidal lozenge with quadrilobes at point and floret in center; all within quadrilobe with trefoils in angles and crowns in spandrels. Visible on the observe are the leopard protomes of the throne of Dagobert, a foldable chair well-suited for an itinerant court.

Philip III

King of France

Capet

Isabella

Queen of France

Barcelona

Charles II

King of Naples

Anjou

Mary

Queen of Naples

Árpád

Charles

Count of Valois

Valois (Founder)

Margaret

Countess of Anjou

Anjou

Philip VI

King of France

Valois

  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome I (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 251
  • Related entries: Valois

Philippe VI, King of France |
House of Valois 6.34g, 30mm, 10h

Ange d'or (1341)

PHILIPPVSoD’ GRAoFRAoREX

Transcription: (Latin) PHILIPPUS DEI GRATIA FRANCORUM REX
Translation: Philip, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.

Crowned St. Michael the Archangel standing facing beneath a gothic portico, his right hand pinning down the Dragon with a cruciform staff and his left supporting the royal arms.

✠XP’CoVINCIToXPCoREGNAToXP’CoIMPERAT

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS IMPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury with quatrefoils at point and in center; all within quatrefoil with lis in angles and crowns in spandrels. The depiction of St. Michael as defender of the French monarchy against evil comes amid the hardships that befell Philip's kingdom after Edward III of England pressed his claim to the French crown.
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome I (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 255A
  • Related entries: Valois

John II, King of France |
House of Valois 4.7g, 29mm, 4h, MS63 (NGC)

Mouton d'or (Paris, 1355)

✠AGN⦿DEI⦿QVI⦿TOLL'⦿PCCA⦿MVDI⦿MISERERE⦿NOB /
IOH' REX

Transcription: (Latin) AGNUS DEI QUI TOLLIS PECCATA MUNDI MISERERE NOBIS / IOHANNES REX
Translation: Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. / John, King.

Paschal lamb passant regardant with cruciferous nimbus, before a Latin cross bottony with base and gonfanon; all within epicycloidal tressure broken by inscription in exergue.

✠XPCVINCITXPCREGNATXPCIMPERAT

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS IMPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross bottony with lis in angles, within barbed quatrefoil with lis in spandrels. In center, floret within barbed quatrefoil.

Charles

Count of Valois

Valois

Margaret

Countess of Anjou

Anjou

Robert II

Duke of Burgundy

Burgundy

Agnes

Duchess of Burgundy

Capet

Philip VI

King of France

Valois

Joan

Queen of France

Burgundy

John II

King of France

Valois

  • Ordonnances des Rois de France de la Troisième Race, Vol. II (Secousse, 1729) p. 570
  • Histoire Monétaire de Jean le Bon Roi de France (Saulcy, 1880) ref. 23
  • Recueil de documents relatifs à l'histoire des monnaies, Tome I (Saulcy, 1888) p. 325
  • Related entries: Valois

Louis II, Count of Flanders, Nevers and Rethel |
House of Dampierre 5.40g, 34mm, 10h

Lion heaumé d'or (Ghent, 1365-1370)

LV DOVICVSDEIGRACOM'ZDSFLADR IE / FLADRES

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS DEI GRATIA COMES ET DOMINUS FLANDRIE / FLANDRES
Translation: Louis, by the Grace of God, Count and Lord of Flanders. / Flanders.

Helmed lion sejant within a gothic stall.

✠BENEDICTVSQUIVENITINNOMINEDOMINI /
 F L A / D'

Transcription: (Latin) BENEDICTUS QUI VENIT IN NOMINE DOMINI / FLANDRES
Translation: Blessed be He who comes in the name of the Lord. / Flanders.

Cross fleury in shape of rhomboidal lozenge with quadrilobes at point; abbreviation of Flanders spelled out throughout; all within a tressure of arches. From the collection of Dr. Albrecht Ulrich.

Louis I

Count of Nevers

Dampierre

Joan

Countess of Rethel

Rethel

Philip V

King of France

Capet

Joan II

Queen of France

Burgundy (County)

Louis I

Count of Flanders

Dampierre

Margaret I

Countess of Burgundy

Capet

Louis II

Count of Flanders

Dampierre

Louis II, Count of Flanders, Nevers and Rethel |
House of Dampierre 4.44g, 29mm, 1h, MS64 (NGC)

Chaise d'or (Ghent/Malines, 1373-1384)

✠LVDOVICVSDEI GRA COM'ZDSFLAD'

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS DEI GRATIA COMES ET DOMINUS FLANDRIE
Translation: Louis, by the Grace of God, Count and Lord of Flanders.

Crowned Louis seated facing on Gothic throne, a sword in right hand, his left supporting a shield with a lion; all within a tressure of arches with trefoils in the spandrels.

✠XPCVINCITXPCREGNATXPCINPERAT

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS INPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury with quadrilobes at point and in center, all within quadrilobe with trefoils on cusps and rosettes in spandrels.
  • Recherches sur les monnaies des comtes de Flandre (Gaillard, 1856) ref. 218
  • Related entries: Flanders, Nevers, Rethel

Charles VI, King of France |
House of Valois 4.02g, 24mm, 6h

Ecu d'or à la couronne (Saint-Quentin, 1385/88)

✠KAROLVSDEIGRACIAFRAC0RVMREX

Transcription: (Latin) KAROLUS DEI GRACIA FRANCORUM REX
Translation: Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.

Crowned arms of France.

✠XPC★VINCIT★XPC★REGNAT★XPC★INPERAT

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS INPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury in shape of rhomboidal lozenge with lis at points, mint mark in center; all within a quadrilobe with inward-facing lis in angles and crowns in spandrels. The elongated 0 in FRANC0RVM differentiates it from an otherwise identical type issued under Charles VII with a round O. Faint traces of die transfer.

John II

King of France

Valois

Bonne

Duchess of Normandy

Luxembourg

Peter

Duke of Bourbon

Bourbon

Isabella

Duchess of Bourbon

Valois

Charles V

King of France

Valois

Jeanne

Queen of France

Bourbon

Charles VI

King of France

Valois

  • Ordonnances des Rois de France de la Troisième Race, Vol. 7 (Secousse, 1745) pp. 123, 249
  • Recueil de documents relatifs à l'histoire des monnaies, Tome II (Saulcy, 1888) pp. 29, 49
  • Recueil de documents relatifs à l'histoire des monnaies, Tome III (Saulcy, 1888) p. 9
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome I (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 369, 369A
  • Related entries: Valois

Charles VII, King of France |
House of Valois 3.78g, 28mm, 10h

Royal d'or (1429)

✠KAROLVSDIGRAFRANCORVREX✿

Transcription: (Latin) KAROLUS DEI GRACIA FRANCORUM REX
Translation: Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.

Charles, crowned and in royal robes, standing facing, holding two lis-tipped scepters; behind, field of lis.

✠XPCVINCITXPCREGNATXPCINPERAT✿

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS INPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury, with central pellet in quadrilobe, within quadrilobe with angles ending in lis and crowns in voids.

Charles V

King of France

Valois

Jeanne

Queen of France

Bourbon

Stephen III

Duke of Bavaria

Wittelsbach

Taddea

Duchess of Bavaria

Visconti

Charles VI

King of France

Valois

Isabeau

Queen of France

Wittelsbach

Charles VII

King of France

Valois

  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome I (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 455
  • Related entries: Valois

Charles VII, King of France |
House of Valois 3.36g, 24mm, 1h, MS63 (NGC)

Ecu neuf (1447/1448)

♕KAROLVS:DEI:GRACIA:FRANCORVM:REX:♖

Transcription: (Latin) KAROLUS DEI GRACIA FRANCORUM REX
Translation: Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks.

Crowned arms of France flanked by two crowned fleurs de lis.

♕XPC:VINCIT:XPC:REGNAT:XPC:IMPERAT♖

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS VINCIT CHRISTUS REGNAT CHRISTUS IMPERAT
Translation: Christ Triumphs, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.

Cross fleury with crowns in angles, a quatrefoil in the center; all within a quatrefoil.
  • Recueil de documents relatifs à l'histoire des monnaies, Tome III (Saulcy, 1888) pp. 126, 183, 194
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome I (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 511B, 511D
  • Related entries: Valois

Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, Count of Flanders |
House of Valois 3.63g, 28mm, 8h, MS64 (PCGS)

Cavalier d'or (Ghent, 1434-1454)

PHSDEIGRADVXBVRGZCOMESFLANDRIE /
FLAD'

Transcription: (Latin) PHILIPPUS DEI GRATIA DUX BURGUNDICAE ET COMES FLANDRIE / FLANDRES
Translation: Philip, by the Grace of God, Duke of Burgundy and Count of Flanders. / Flanders.

Armored duke on horseback galloping right and brandishing sword, his caparisoned horse adorned with briquets.

✠SITnOMENDOMINIBENEDICTVMAMEN

Transcription: (Latin) SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM AMEN
Translation: Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Amen.

Quartered shield of Burgundy with inescutcheon of Flanders superimposed on a floriated cross. The first of a three-type series introduced by Philip the Good as part of a monetary reform to unify coinage in the Low-Countries.

Philip II

Duke of Burgundy

Valois

Margaret III

Duchess of Burgundy

Dampierre

Albert I

Duke of Bavaria

Wittelsbach

Margaret

Duchess of Bavaria

Piast

John I

Duke of Burgundy

Valois

Margaret

Duchess of Burgundy

Wittelsbach

Philip III

Duke of Burgundy

Valois

  • Les monnaies des Pays-Bas bourguignons et espagnols (1434-1713) (Gelder & Hoc, 1960)
  • Le Bénélux d'or (Delmonte, 1964) ref. 487
  • Related entries: Burgundy, Flanders, Valois

Philip III, Duke of Burgundy, Count of Flanders |
House of Valois 4.24g, 30mm, 9h

Lion d'or (Bruges/Ghent, 1454-1466)

PHSDEIGRADVXBVRGCOMFLAND

Transcription: (Latin) PHILIPPUS DEI GRATIA DUX BURGUNDICAE COMES FLANDRIE
Translation: Philip, by the Grace of God, Duke of Burgundy, Count of Flanders.

Lion sejant beneath a gothic dais flanked by two flaming briquets.

✠SITnOMENDOMINIBENEDICTVMAMEN

Transcription: (Latin) SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM AMEN
Translation: Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Amen.

Quartered shield of Burgundy with inescutcheon of Flanders superimposed on a floriated cross. The briquet was a common hallmark of the dukes of Burgundy.
  • Les monnaies des Pays-Bas bourguignons et espagnols (1434-1713) (Gelder & Hoc, 1960)
  • Le Bénélux d'or (Delmonte, 1964) ref. 489
  • Related entries: Burgundy, Flanders, Valois

Charles IX, King of France |
House of Valois 3.36g, 24mm, 6h, AU58 (NGC)

Ecu d'or au soleil (Paris, 1562)

☀CAROLVS⋅VIIII⋅D⸸G⋅FRANCO⋅REX⋅M⋅D⋅LXII

Transcription: (Latin) CAROLUS VIIII DEI GRATIA FRANCORUM REX M D LXII
Translation: Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the Franks. 1562

Crowned arms of France.

☀CHRISTVS⋅REGNAT⋅VINCIT⋅ET⋅IMPERAT / A

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS REGNAT VINCIT ET IMPERAT / A
Translation: Christ Reigns, Triumphs, and Commands. / Paris mint mark.

Cross fleurdelisée in shape of rhomboidal lozenge with mint mark in center.

Francis I

King of France

Valois

Claude

Queen of France

Valois

Lorenzo

Lord of Florence

Medici

Madeleine

La Tour d'Auvergne

Henry II

King of France

Valois

Catherine

Queen of France

Medici

Charles IX

King of France

Valois

  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome II (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 1057
  • Related entries: Valois

Gaston de France, Duke of Orleans |
House of Orleans 3.3g, 26mm, 4h, MS61 (PCGS)

Usufructuary Prince of the Dombes

Ecu d'or (Trévoux, 1640)

GASTOFR⋅VN⋅REG⋅VSV⋅FR⋅SV⋅PRI⋅DOMB

Transcription: (Latin) GASTON FRATER UNICUS REGIS USUS FRUCTUARIUS PRINCEPS DOMBARUM
Translation: Gaston, unique brother of the King, Usufructuary Prince of the Dombes.

Crowned arms of Orleans.

DOMINVS⋅ADIVTOR⋅ET⋅REDEM⋅ME⋅1640

Transcription: (Latin) DOMINUS ADJUTOR ET REDEMPTOR MEUS 1640
Translation: The Lord is my support and redeemer. 1640

Cross anillée and fleurdelisée with flower in center. An exceptionally rare écu of Gaston de France, who received the usufruct of the principality of the Dombes after the death of his spouse Marie de Montpensier in 1627.

Antoine

King of Navarre

Bourbon

Jeanne

Queen of Navarre

Albret

Francesco I

Duke of Tuscany

Medici

Joanna

Duchess of Tuscany

Habsburg

Henry IV

King of France

Bourbon

Marie

Queen of France

Medici

Gaston

Duke of Orleans

Orleans (Founder)

  • Monnaies féodales de France, Tome III (Poey D'Avant, 1858) cf. 5183
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Féodales, Tome II (Duplessy, 2010) ref. 2979A
  • Related entries: Dombes, Orleans

Louis XIII, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 3.32g, 20mm, 6h

Demi louis à la mèche longue (Paris, 1643)

⋅LVD⋅XIII⋅D⋅G⋅ FR⋅ET⋅NAV⋅REX⋅ / 1643

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS XIIII DEI GRATIA FRANCIAE ET NAVARRAE REX
Translation: Louis XIIII, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Laureate head of Louis XIII right.

⋅CHRS⋅REGN⋅ ⋅VINC⋅ ⋅IMP⋅ / A

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS REGNAT VINCIT IMPERAT / A
Translation: Christ Reigns, (Christ) Triumphs, (Christ) Commands. / Paris mint mark.

Cross with arms composed of double-L monograms and terminating in crowns, lis in angles; circled mint mark in center. From the Fernand David collection.

Antoine

King of Navarre

Bourbon

Jeanne

Queen of Navarre

Albret

Francesco I

Duke of Tuscany

Medici

Joanna

Duchess of Tuscany

Habsburg

Henry IV

King of France

Bourbon

Marie

Queen of France

Medici

Louis XIII

King of France

Bourbon

Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 6.73g, 24mm, 6h

Louis d'or à la mèche longue (Lyon, 1652)

⋅LVD⋅XIIII⋅D⋅G⋅⋅s⋅◆FR⋅ET⋅NAV⋅REX⋅ / 1652

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS XIIII DEI GRATIA FRANCIAE ET NAVARRAE REX
Translation: Louis XIIII, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Laureate head of Louis XIV right.

⋅CHRS⋅ ⋅REGN⋅ ⋅VINC⋅ ⋅IMP⋅ / D

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS REGNAT VINCIT IMPERAT / D
Translation: Christ Reigns, (Christ) Triumphs, (Christ) Commands. / Lyon mint mark.

Cross with arms composed of double-L monograms and terminating in crowns, lis in angles; circled mint mark in center. May have belonged to Jean Lepot, a royal dignitary in charge of the salt granary of Montrichard.
From the treasure of Montrichard discovered in 2007.

Henry IV

King of France

Bourbon

Marie

Queen of France

Medici

Philip III

King of Spain

Habsburg

Margaret

Queen of Spain

Habsburg

Louis XIII

King of France

Bourbon

Anne

Queen of France

Habsburg

Louis XIV

King of France

Bourbon

Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 6.73g, 23mm, 6h

Louis d'or à l'écu (Paris, 1690)

LVD⋅XIIII⋅D⋅G☀ FR⋅ET⋅NAV⋅REX

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS XIIII DEI GRATIA FRANCIAE ET NAVARRAE REX
Translation: Louis XIIII, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Laureate bust of Louis XIV right in peruke.

SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTVM 1690 A

Transcription: (Latin) SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM 1690 A
Translation: Blessed Be the Name of the Lord. 1690 Paris mint mark.

Crowned arms of France. From the treasure of Plozévet discovered in 2019.
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome II (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 1435
  • Un trésor découvert lors de la restauration d'un manoir dans le Finistère (Interencheres, 2021)
  • Un trésor de pièces d'or découvert en pays bigouden (Drouot, 2021)
  • Related entries: Bourbon, Navarre

Louis XV, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 6.5g, 23mm, 6h, MS62 (NGC)

Louis d'or mirliton (Paris, 1724)

LUD⋅XV D⋅G⋅FR⋅ET NAV⋅REX / 1724

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS XV DEI GRATIA FRANCIAE ET NAVARRAE REX
Translation: Louis XV, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Laureate bust of Louis XV right.

✿ CHRS⋅REGN VINC⋅IMP⋅ / ⋅A⋅

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS REGNAT VINCIT IMPERAT / A
Translation: Christ Reigns, (Christ) Triumphs, (Christ) Commands. / Paris mint mark.

Two interlaced L under crown, all within palms. Dot in center. Recovered from the wreck of Le Chameau off Nova Scotia in 1965.

Louis

Dauphin of France

Bourbon

Marie-Anne

Dauphine of France

Wittelsbach

Victor-Amédée II

Duke of Savoy

Savoy

Anne-Marie

Duchess of Savoy

Bourbon-Orléans

Louis

Duke of Burgundy

Bourbon

Marie-Adélaïde

Duchess of Burgundy

Savoy

Louis XV

King of France

Bourbon

Louis XV, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 8.19g, 24mm, 6h

Louis d'or aux lunettes (Rouen, 1732)

LUD⋅XV⋅D⋅G⋅FR⋅ET⋅NAV⋅REX⋅

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS XV DEI GRATIA FRANCIAE ET NAVARRAE REX
Translation: Louis XV, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Draped bust of Louis XV left.

CHRS⋅REGN⋅VINC⋅IMPER 1732 / B

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS REGNAT VINCIT IMPERAT 1732 / B
Translation: Christ Reigns, (Christ) Triumphs, (Christ) Commands. 1732 / Rouen mint mark.

Crown above arms of France and Navarre; mint mark below. Former possession of Louis Nivelle, esquire at the royal court and usher at the Palace of Justice.
 From the treasure of Rue Mouffetard discovered in 1938.
  • Trésors : archives secrètes (Bourgey, 1998)
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome II (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 1640
  • Related entries: Bourbon, Navarre

Louis XV, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 8.1g, 24mm, 6h, MS62 (PCGS)

Louis d'or au bandeau (Paris, 1743)

LUD⋅XV⋅D⋅G⋅FR⋅ET NAV⋅REX⋅ /

Transcription: (Latin) LUDOVICUS XV DEI GRATIA FRANCIAE ET NAVARRAE REX
Translation: Louis XV, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Bare head of Louis XV left, hair tied by ribbon.

CHRS⋅REGN⋅VINC⋅IMPER✿1743 / A

Transcription: (Latin) CHRISTUS REGNAT VINCIT IMPERAT 1743 / A
Translation: Christ Triumphs, (Christ) Reigns, (Christ) Commands. 1743 / Paris mint mark.

Crown above arms of France and Navarre; mint mark below. Another find from Louis Nivelle's cache.
Some die rust on the obverse.
  • Trésors : archives secrètes (Bourgey, 1998)
  • Les Monnaies Françaises Royales, Tome II (Duplessy, 1999) ref. 1643
  • Related entries: Bourbon, Navarre

Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc |
House of Rohan 16.2g, 30mm, 6h

Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller

Scudo (Valletta, 1778)

F★EMMANUEL DE ROHAN M★ M★

Transcription: (Latin) FRATER EMMANUEL DE ROHAN MAGISTER MAGNUS
Translation: Brother Emmanuel de Rohan, Grand Master

Wigged, armored bust of Emmanuel de Rohan right.

⋅HOSPITALIS ET S★ SEPUL★ HIERUSAL★ 1778 / S⋅ 20

Transcription: (Latin) HOSPITALIS ET SANCTI SEPULCHRI HIERUSALEM 1778 / SCUDI 20
Translation: of the Hospital and Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. 1778 / 20 Scudi.

Crown above arms of Malta and House of Rohan. Last type of gold scudo to have been struck by the Order of Malta before the French Republic took over the island in 1798.

Jean-Baptiste

Count of Pouldu

Rohan

Pélagie Martin

Lady of Pouldu

Guillaume

Colonel of Spanish Dragoons

Velthoven

Jean-Baptiste

Count of Pouldu

Rohan

Marie Louise

Velthoven

Emmanuel

Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller

Rohan

Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre |
House of Bourbon 6.45g, 21mm, 6h, MS65 (PCGS)

Louis d'or (Paris, 1814)

LOUIS XVIII ROI DE FRANCE / 𝒯𝒾𝑜𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓇

Translation: Louis XVIII, King of France. / Signature of engraver Pierre-Joseph Tiolier

Dressed bust of Louis XVIII to the right, hair tied by ribbon, wearing the cordon of the Order of the Holy Spirit.

PIECE DE 20 FRANCS / 1814 A

Translation: 20 Francs coin.

Crowned arms of France between two laurel branches tied at the base.

Edge: DOMINE SALVUM FAC REGEM

Transcription: (Latin) DOMINE SALVUM FAC REGEM | Translation: Lord, Save the King.

Issuance mandated during the First Restoration by the royal ordinance of 18 May 1814.

Louis XV

King of France

Bourbon

Marie

Queen of France

Leszczyński

Augustus III

King of Poland

Wettin

Maria Josepha

Queen of Poland

Habsburg

Louis

Dauphin of France

Bourbon

Marie-Josèphe

Dauphine of France

Wettin

Louis XVIII

King of France

Bourbon

Selection of historical texts and scholarly works pertaining to the French monarchy and other issuers of the coins in the collection.

8th century: Preamble to the Salic Law

13th century: The Teachings of Saint Louis

14th century: Treatise on the Origin of Money (Nicolas Oresme)

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