Denier Tournois - Louis XIII Tours mint
| Issuer | France |
|---|---|
| Year | 1631-1635 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Denier (1⁄240 LT) |
| Currency | Livre tournois (987-1795) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 1.7 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | CGKL#478 |
| Obverse description | Start of legend at 6 o`clock, smooth or beaded circle. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | LOYS.XIII.R.D.FRAN.ET.NAV. (a) LOYS.XIII.R.D.FRAN.E.NAV. (b) LOYS.XIII.R.D.FRAN.E.NA. (c) |
| Reverse description | Beginning of legend at 12 o`clock, smooth or pearled circle. Two lilies, below an E. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | + DENIER.TOVRNOIS.(millésime) (1) + DENIE.TOVRNOIS.(millésime) (2) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
E Tours, France |
| Mintage |
1631 E - (fr) a1 - 1632 E - (fr) a1, c1 - 1633 E - (fr) a1, c2 - 1634 E - (fr) a1, b1, c1 - 1635 E - (fr) a1, b1 - |
| Numisquare ID | 1642769760 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: Issued during Louis XIII's reign (1610-1643), this Denier Tournois marks a period of significant French political and economic transformation. Under Cardinal Richelieu, the monarchy consolidated power, often at great financial cost, particularly for the Thirty Years' War. Consistent production of low-denomination copper coinage was essential for daily commerce, reflecting persistent demand for small change amidst a fiscally strained yet expanding economy.
Artistry: The Denier Tournois from the Tours mint (1631-1635) adheres to the prevalent early Baroque style of French numismatics. While specific engraver attribution for common copper issues is rare, the artistic execution typically features a laureate, draped bust of Louis XIII on the obverse, often facing right, encircled by a royal legend. The reverse invariably displays three fleurs-de-lis, emblematic of the French monarchy, frequently surmounted by a crown, emphasizing royal authority.
Technical/Grading: As a small (17 mm, 1.7 gg) copper denomination, the technical strike quality of this Denier Tournois often presents challenges. High points prone to wear include the king's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the upper petals of the fleurs-de-lis on the reverse. Expect variability in strike pressure, often resulting in weak or incomplete legends and devices. Planchet quality can be inconsistent, with irregular flans and surface imperfections common, making sharply struck examples desirable in higher grades.