Charles the Bold introduced this florin type following his inheritance of Brabant in 1467, part of a broader effort to harmonize coinage across his sprawling Burgundian domains. The design draws on Florentine florin conventions that had dominated European trade gold for two centuries — a deliberate choice to ensure acceptance in the international markets Charles depended on to fund his near-continuous military campaigns against Louis XI of France and the Liège rebellions.
He would die at Nancy in January 1477, leaving the Burgundian monetary project unfinished. Pieces from the Leuven mint carry a small lily mark traceable to specific die emissions documented by Witte.
Charles the Bold introduced this florin type following his inheritance of Brabant in 1467, part of a broader effort to harmonize coinage across his sprawling Burgundian domains. The design draws on Florentine florin conventions that had dominated European trade gold for two centuries — a deliberate choice to ensure acceptance in the international markets Charles depended on to fund his near-continuous military campaigns against Louis XI of France and the Liège rebellions.
He would die at Nancy in January 1477, leaving the Burgundian monetary project unfinished. Pieces from the Leuven mint carry a small lily mark traceable to specific die emissions documented by Witte.