Double Tournois - Henri III Amiens mint
| Uitgever | France |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1578-1589 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | 2 Deniers (1⁄120 LT) |
| Valuta | Livre tournois (987-1795) |
| Samenstelling | Copper |
| Gewicht | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | |
| Oriëntatie | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | CGKL#6 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Bust on the right, laureate, with beard, cuirassed, milled neck. Beginning of legend at 6 o`clock, smooth circle of 13 mm. Point in front and behind the bust. The X can be without point before or after. The X can be in the field, under the bust (without vintage) The X can be straddling the circle (without vintage) |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde | HENRI.III.R.DE.FRAN.ET.POL.X. (a) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Beginning of legend at 12 o`clock, smooth circle of 13 mm. Three lilies placed two and one. Head of lion : Mm Philippe VARICE (1578-1580) Eagle`s paw : Mm Jehan BOISTEL (1581-1593) 2 points on both sides of the bust : Mg Pierre 1er DARLY (1578-29/9/1597) |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde | +.DOVBLE.TOVRNOIS.(tête de lion). (1) + DOVBLE.TOVRNOIS (tête de lion) (2) +.DOVBLE.TOVRNOIS.1578.(tête de lion). (3) +.DOVBLE.TOVRNOIS.(patte d`aigle)1587. (4) + DOVBLE.TOVRNOIS.(patte d`aigle)1589 (5) |
| Rand | Smooth |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
ND X - (fr) a1, a2 - 1578 X - (fr) a3 - 245 160 1579 X - (fr) Existence possible - 92 160 1583 X - (fr) Association non visible - 1587 X - (fr) a4 - 281 034 1588 X - (fr) a4 - 82 524 1589 X - (fr) a4, a5 - 373 884 |
| Numisquare-ID | 1137228960 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
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Historical Context: The Double Tournois of Henri III, Amiens mint (1578-1589), reflects a tumultuous period. As the last Valois king, Henri III navigated escalating Wars of Religion, marked by severe economic instability and specie shortages. Copper coinage, despite public distrust, became crucial for daily transactions. This CGKL#6 issue underscores the necessity of high-volume, small-denomination production. Amiens, a strategically vital northern mint, was pivotal in this wartime effort, supplying essential currency.
Artistry: Specific engraver attribution for these utilitarian copper issues is generally unrecorded. The stylistic approach prioritizes functionality over individual artistic expression, reflecting mass production exigencies. The obverse features a simplified laureate bust of Henri III; the reverse displays three fleurs-de-lis with the Amiens mintmark 'A'. The aesthetic is functional, often characterized by crude execution common to high-volume, late 16th-century copper coinage, where legibility and rapid output superseded intricate detail.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, strong strikes on Henri III's laureate hair and facial features are paramount, as these wear first. On the reverse, the upper points of the fleurs-de-lis and legible legends are critical. Weak strikes, off-centering, and planchet imperfections (e.g., cracks, laminations) are common due to rapid production and inferior copper quality. Clear visibility of the Amiens 'A' mintmark and any date elements are essential for full attribution and premium value.