$3,519.00 USD
Struck during the reign of King Charles VI of France (1380–1422), the Écu d'Or à la Couronne was introduced in 1385 as a successor to the franc à cheval. This gold coin became a mainstay of French currency, reflecting the monarchy's authority during a period marked by the Hundred Years' War and internal strife. The Tournai Mint, located in present-day Belgium, produced these coins to facilitate trade and assert the monarchy's presence in the region.
Obverse: Features the crowned royal arms of France, consisting of three fleur-de-lis beneath an ornate crown. The surrounding Latin legend reads: “+ KAROLVS DEI GRACIA FRANCORVM REX” (Charles, by the grace of God, King of the French).
Reverse: Displays a floriated cross within a quadrilobe, with a star at the center and inward-facing fleurs-de-lis in each angle. The inscription reads: “+ XPC VINCIT XPC REGNAT XPC IMPERAT” (Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands).
Specifications:
Denomination: Écu d'Or à la Couronne
Mint: Tournai
Composition: Gold (.999 fineness)
Weight: Approximately 3.97 grams
Diameter: Approximately 28.5 mm
Catalog References: Friedberg 291; Duplessy 369
Condition and Rarity:
Graded PCGS MS62, this coin exhibits exceptional preservation, with sharp details and lustrous surfaces. Gold Écus d'Or from the Tournai Mint are rare, especially in such high grades, making this a highly sought-after piece for collectors of medieval French coinage.
A visually striking and sharply executed example of Charles VI’s crown écu from Tournai, showcasing exceptional die work and rich golden luster. The sharply delineated floriated cross and deeply crowned fleur-de-lis shield sit in bold relief on fields that retain an impressive level of original brilliance. A scarce survivor from a conflict-heavy era, and one of the finest certified from this specific mint.
Extremely Rare
Dup-369C. 3.90g. Rare Mintmark. We hardly ever see coins struck from Toumai.
