$3,398.00 USD
Struck under the Renaissance monarch François I of France, this 1515–1547 Écu d’or à la couronne, graded NGC AU58, represents the golden coinage of a king who epitomized French humanism, royal grandeur, and military ambition. François I ushered in a new era of art, centralization, and warfare, with coinage reflecting both classical influence and dynastic power.
Obverse: Displays a crowned royal shield bearing three fleurs-de-lis, surrounded by a bold Latin legend affirming François's sovereignty over France. The wide flan and clean fields allow full appreciation of the sharply defined fleur-de-lis, symbolizing purity, divine rule, and national identity.
Reverse: Features a radiating floriated cross with fleurs-de-lis in the angles, enclosed by a tight beaded circle and the legend “XPC VINCIT XPC REGNAT XPC IMPERAT” (“Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands”). This sacred formula tied royal authority to divine will.
With its near-Mint brilliance and crisp strike, this AU58 example stands as a premium representative of early 16th-century French gold. The coin's preservation and centered strike highlight the transition from medieval forms to more refined Renaissance styling, making it especially desirable for collectors of French royal or Renaissance-era numismatics.
