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Blanc - Charles V
| Issuer | Kingdom of France |
|---|---|
| Year | 1365-1380 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central field displays a crowned fleur-de-lis flanked by two additional fleurs-de-lis, all set within an elaborate Gothic architectural framework reminiscent of a triple-towered crown motif. The composition is enclosed by a beaded inner circle, beyond which runs the Latin circumferential legend punctuated by double superimposed annulets. The overall design is characteristic of the Gothic die-cutting style prevalent under the Valois monarchy, with the fleurs-de-lis serving as the royal emblem of France. The irregular flan, typical of hammered medieval coinage, displays natural striking weakness in areas of the periphery. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Charles V never fought a battle in person — a physical weakness that defined his entire reign — yet he rebuilt French royal finances from near-collapse following the catastrophic ransoms and territorial concessions of the Treaty of Brétigny. The blanc was central to that recovery, issued as part of a systematic monetary stabilization after decades of debasement under Jean II, whose desperation to fund the Hundred Years War had rendered French billon coinage almost worthless in trade.
The alloy was carefully regulated under Charles's reformist monetary ordinances, a deliberate contrast to his father's chronic debasements.