1 Gros - Louise-Marguerite

Historical Context: This 1 Gros coin hails from the Principality of Château-Regnault, issued under Louise-Marguerite de Lorraine, Princesse de Conti, during 1614-1629. Her rule coincided with a tumultuous era in France, following Henri IV's assassination and the regency of Marie de' Medici, leading into Louis XIII's reign. Château-Regnault, a small sovereign enclave, allowed Louise-Marguerite to exercise minting rights, a significant assertion of her princely authority amidst the centralizing French crown.

Artistry: The specific engraver for this issue is unrecorded, common for minor feudal mints of the period. Stylistically, the coin reflects a provincial interpretation of late Renaissance and early Baroque aesthetics. Designs typically feature a stylized bust or monogram of Louise-Marguerite on the obverse, encircled by her titles, while the reverse displays the principality's arms or a religious emblem. Execution, though perhaps lacking royal Parisian refinement, conveyed regal authority through conventional iconography.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a low-grade silver alloy, these coins frequently exhibit inherent planchet irregularities and inconsistent strikes. High-points for grading include prominent features of Louise-Marguerite’s effigy or monogram, such as hair, diadem, or intersecting letters. The arms on the reverse, particularly heraldic charges, are also critical. Due to billon's nature and era's minting technology, weak strikes, especially at the periphery, and areas of flatness are common, impacting visual appeal and condition assessment.