$7,645.00 USD
Struck during the reign of Charles VI—often called "Charles the Mad"—this Gold Écu d'Or exemplifies the elegant coinage of late medieval France and serves as a vivid relic of a kingdom in both political and dynastic turmoil. Despite the instability of Charles VI’s rule, French mints maintained a high standard in their gold issues, with this piece among the most aesthetically balanced of its type.
Obverse: Features a crowned shield bearing the royal arms of France—three fleurs-de-lis—encircled by the Latin legend + KAROLVS : DЄI : GRACIA : FRAnCORVM : RЄX, meaning "Charles, by the Grace of God, King of the French." The design is framed by a beaded inner circle and surrounded by a detailed ornamental border.
Reverse: Showcases a large cross fleurée with a star at its center, enclosed within a quadrilobe. At the cardinal points sit fleurs-de-lis, while crowns fill the outer spandrels. The surrounding motto reads + XPC * VIИCIT * XPC * RЄGИAT * XPC * IИPЄRAT—"Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands"—a popular invocation in French medieval numismatics.
Graded NGC MS65, this coin offers dazzling satiny luster and is well-centered with minimal handling marks. It is a superbly preserved specimen, rarely encountered at this level of quality. Its visual harmony and gold brilliance make it a standout acquisition for collectors of French royal coinage.
