Cavalier d'Or - Francis II

Historical Context: The Cavalier d'Or of Francis II represents a pivotal era for the Duchy of Brittany (1458-1488), marking the final decades of its de facto independence before its eventual absorption into the Kingdom of France. Francis II, the last male Duke of Brittany, spent much of his reign navigating complex political alliances and military conflicts, primarily against Louis XI and Charles VIII of France, to preserve Breton sovereignty. This gold coinage, struck during a period of intense diplomatic and martial struggle, served as a powerful declaration of ducal authority and the duchy's economic standing, asserting its distinct identity amidst mounting French pressure.

Artistry: While specific engravers for 15th-century Breton coinage are rarely documented, the Cavalier d'Or exemplifies the late Gothic stylistic school prevalent in Western Europe. The design features a mounted knight, typically depicting the Duke himself, clad in armor and bearing a standard, galloping majestically. This "cavalier" motif was a classic representation of chivalry, military prowess, and sovereign power. The reverse typically displayed a cross or the ducal arms, rendered with the intricate detail characteristic of the period, reflecting both secular authority and religious piety.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold with a weight of 3.38 grams and a diameter of 28 millimeters, the Cavalier d'Or exhibits typical medieval minting characteristics. High-points for wear and strike often include the knight's head, helmet, the horse's head, and the top of the standard on the obverse. On the reverse, the center of the cross or the highest points of the ducal arms are most susceptible to flatness. Variability in strike quality, including minor off-centering and planchet irregularities, is common due to the manual coining process, though gold issues generally received more careful execution.