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Écu au soleil - Francis I of France
| Issuer | Republic of Genoa (1139-1797) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1527-1528 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Gold Ecu |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | FRANCISCVS DEI GRA REX FRANCOR |
| Reverse description | Central field features a large fleur-de-lis surmounted by a royal crown, set within a multi-lobed Gothic tracery frame enclosed by a beaded inner border. Surrounding the central motif are four crowned heraldic shields arranged in a cross pattern, alternating with fleurs-de-lis in the angles, forming an elaborate quartered composition characteristic of French royal coinage of the period. The circumferential legend in Latin, CONRADVS REX ROMANOR FA, referencing the nominal overlordship of Conrad, King of the Romans, runs around the outer field. The coin exhibits the characteristic irregular flan and bold relief of hammered gold coinage. |
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| Additional information |
This piece dates to the occupation of Genoa by French forces under Francis I, who seized the city in 1527 and imposed French monetary authority on the republic. The écu au soleil was the standard French gold issue of the period, and Genoa was compelled to strike it locally — making these coins a direct artifact of military occupation rather than Genoese monetary policy. The arrangement lasted barely two years before Andrea Doria expelled the French and realigned Genoa with Charles V.
The CNI III attribution places this among a small documented group, and the brief striking window of a single fiscal year tightens the production period considerably.