Katalog
| Opis awersu | Cross fleurdelisée. |
|---|---|
| Pismo awersu | Latin |
| Legenda awersu |
· HENRICVS · II · DEI · GRATIA · R · NAVA · D B (Translation: Henry II, by the grace of god, king of Navarra and lord of Bearn.) |
| Opis rewersu | Crowned shield of Navarra, Bearn, Bourbon etc with II on both sides. |
| Pismo rewersu | Latin |
| Legenda rewersu |
GRATIA · DEI · SVM · Q · D · SVM 1585 (Translation: Thanks to god, I am what I am.) |
| Krawędź | |
| Mennica | |
| Nakład |
1584 - - 1585 - - 1586 - - 1587 - - 1588 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1157432110 |
| Dodatkowe informacje |
Historical Context: This 1/4 Ecu was issued by Henry II, Lord of Béarn and King Henry III of Navarre, between 1584 and 1588. This period was a tumultuous chapter in French history, dominated by the Wars of Religion. Henry, a prominent Huguenot leader, used his coinage to assert his sovereign authority and legitimacy within his independent principality of Béarn, serving as a political statement during his struggle for the French throne, which he would eventually secure as Henry IV of France. These issues underscore the fragmented political landscape of late 16th-century France.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, the coin's design reflects the late Renaissance aesthetic prevalent in regional European mints. The obverse typically features a crowned shield displaying the arms of Béarn and Navarre, symbolizing Henry's dual sovereignty. The reverse commonly depicts an ornate cross, often fleury or with lilies, surrounded by the legend. The overall execution, though less refined than contemporary royal French issues, is characterized by a strong heraldic emphasis and clear, legible inscriptions, typical of the period's pragmatic approach to coinage.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 9.53 grams and a diameter of 29.5 millimeters, this denomination often exhibits characteristics typical of 16th-century minting. High-points for wear or strike weakness include the crown details, shield heraldry, and central cross elements. Planchets were frequently irregular, and strikes often uneven, leading to areas of flatness, particularly on the periphery. Collectors should prioritize strong detail on the legends and central devices, as well as a well-centered strike, which can be challenging to find for this regional issue.