$5,334.00 USD
– SOLDThe 1515–1547 France-Lyon Écu d’Or, issued under King François I and graded PCGS MS62, is a historically significant gold coin from the early Renaissance period in France. François I, one of France’s most influential monarchs, was known for his military campaigns, cultural patronage, and rivalry with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. His reign marked the beginning of the French Renaissance, with significant developments in art, architecture, and state centralization.
The obverse of the Écu d’Or features the crowned royal coat of arms of France, consisting of three fleurs-de-lis, a symbol of the French monarchy's divine right to rule. The intricate design reinforces the authority of François I, who sought to expand and strengthen royal power. The surrounding Latin inscriptions often include references to the king’s titles and divine legitimacy.
The reverse displays a Latin cross with additional ornamental elements, signifying France’s deep Catholic identity and the king’s role as a "Most Christian King" (Rex Christianissimus). The inscriptions on the reverse may invoke blessings or references to royal authority under God, a common theme in medieval and Renaissance coinage.
