$6,100.00 USD
Struck during the reign of King Charles V of France (1364–1380), the Franc à Pied ("franc on foot") was introduced in 1365 following the success of the earlier Franc à Cheval ("franc on horseback") minted under his father, King John II. This gold coin symbolized the monarchy's authority and the kingdom's stability during a period marked by the Hundred Years' War and internal reforms. The Franc à Pied remained in circulation until it was replaced by the silver franc in 1575 under King Henry III.
Obverse: Depicts King Charles V standing beneath a Gothic canopy, crowned, holding a sword in his right hand and the hand of justice in his left. He is clad in armor adorned with fleur-de-lis, emphasizing his royal lineage. The surrounding Latin legend reads: “KAROLVS DI GRACIA FRANCORV REX” (Charles, by the grace of God, King of the French).
Reverse: Features a floriated cross within a quadrilobe, with a quatrefoil at the center and cantoned by two fleurs-de-lis and two crowns. The inscription reads: “+ XP'C VINCIT XP'C REGNAT XP'C IMPERAT” (Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands).
Specifications:
Denomination: Franc à Pied
Mint: Paris
Composition: Gold (.999 fineness)
Weight: Approximately 3.77 grams
Diameter: Approximately 30 mm
Catalog References: Friedberg 284; Duplessy 360
Condition and Rarity:
Graded NGC MS62, this coin exhibits exceptional preservation, with sharp details and lustrous surfaces. Gold Francs à Pied from this period are rare, especially in such high grades, making this a highly sought-after piece for collectors of medieval French coinage.
3.78g
