$3,754.00 USD
Struck during the reign of King François I (1515–1547), the Écu d'Or au Soleil ("gold shield under the sun") reflects the flourishing of the French Renaissance and the consolidation of royal authority. The Bayonne Mint, identified by an anchor mintmark, produced these coins to facilitate trade and assert the monarchy's presence in southwestern France.
Obverse: Features the crowned royal arms of France beneath a radiant sun, symbolizing divine favor. The surrounding Latin legend reads: “+ FRANCISCVS: DEI: GRA: FRANCORVM: REX” (Francis, by the grace of God, King of the French).
Reverse: Displays a floriated cross with fleurs-de-lis in the angles, encapsulated within a quadrilobe. The inscription reads: “+ XPS: VINCIT: XPS: REGNAT: XPS: IMPERAT” (Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands).
Specifications:
Denomination: Écu d'Or au Soleil
Mint: Bayonne (anchor mintmark)
Composition: Gold (.958 fineness)
Weight: Approximately 3.36 grams
Diameter: Approximately 27 mm
Condition and Rarity:
Graded PCGS AU58, this coin exhibits exceptional preservation, with sharp details and lustrous surfaces. Gold Écus d'Or from this period are rare, especially in such high grades, making this a highly sought-after piece for collectors of Renaissance-era French coinage.
3.39g
