Double Tournois - Maximilien III 4th type

Historical Context: Maximilien III, Prince of Boisbelle-Henrichemont, issued this Double Tournois during a tumultuous period (1641-1642) in French history, coinciding with the regency of Anne of Austria for the young Louis XIV. As a semi-autonomous principality within the Kingdom of France, Boisbelle-Henrichemont asserted its sovereign rights, including coinage, a significant act amidst increasing royal centralization. This copper currency was vital for local commerce and served as a tangible symbol of princely authority. Maximilien III was notably the last prince of Boisbelle-Henrichemont to exercise this regalian privilege.

Artistry: The Double Tournois of Maximilien III, representing its 4th type, reflects a provincial French stylistic school, characteristic of smaller mints of the 17th century. While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the design typically featured a crowned princely monogram or coat of arms on the obverse, clearly asserting the issuer's identity. The reverse commonly displayed a cross pattee or similar cruciform design, encircled by a legend, adhering to the standard iconography for the Tournois denomination. The overall aesthetic prioritized clear legibility and symbolic representation over intricate artistic flourishes.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, with a weight of 2.5 grams and a diameter of 20 millimeters, this Double Tournois exhibits characteristics common to its type. High-points prone to wear include the crown, the central elements of the princely device on the obverse, and the center of the reverse cross. Technical strike quality can be variable; examples frequently display minor off-centering, weak strikes in peripheral areas, or planchet imperfections inherent to 17th-century provincial minting practices. Well-preserved specimens with sharp details and full legends are particularly desirable to collectors.