Catalog
| Issuer | Monaco |
|---|---|
| Year | 1640 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 6 Gros (0.3) |
| Currency | Livre tournois (781-1795) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 2.64 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | Jérôme Morando |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#5, Gad#C4.6 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Honore II right in inner circle. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | HONORATVS. II. D. G. PRINC. MONOECI. |
| Reverse description | Crowned arms. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | MARC. CAMPANIAE. COM. CAN. A l`exergue G. VI. |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1640 - (fr) G. VI. - 1640 - (fr) variante CANUSII*ET*C - |
| Numisquare ID | 5679408840 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1640 6 Gros was issued under Honore II (1607-1662), the first Grimaldi ruler to officially bear the title Prince of Monaco. Pivotal for Monaco, Honore II skillfully navigated complex Spanish-French alliances. Though the Treaty of Péronne, aligning Monaco with France, was signed in 1641, this 1640 coinage reflects Honore’s growing assertion of sovereignty and his right to mint independent currency, consolidating princely authority and Monaco’s distinct identity.
Artistry: Its design reflects early Baroque numismatic art, often simplified for smaller mints. Engraver anonymous, the obverse features Honore II's bust, draped or laureate, with princely titles. The reverse shows the Grimaldi arms (fusily shield) surmounted by a crown, with denomination and date. This artistry conveyed princely authority and Monaco's emerging status.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, this 6 Gros presents inherent material challenges. High-points for wear include the Prince's hair, ear, and drapery on the obverse; shield points and crown details on the reverse. Technical strike often reveals irregular flans, weak or off-center impressions, typical for billon issues of the era. Surface corrosion and uneven patination frequently impact eye appeal and detail preservation.