Gold Magdalon - Charles III

Historical Context: The Gold Magdalon of Charles III represents a poignant numismatic artifact from the twilight of independent Provençal sovereignty. Struck during his brief reign from 1480 to 1481, this coin embodies the final chapter of the County of Provence before its integration into the French royal domain. Charles III, also known as Charles IV of Anjou, was the last Count to issue coinage as an autonomous ruler, making this Magdalon a crucial historical document of a pivotal transitional period in French regional history.

Artistry: The design of the Magdalon, likely depicting Mary Magdalene, reflects the strong religious iconography prevalent in late medieval European coinage. While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, the coin’s stylistic elements would align with the prevailing Late Gothic aesthetic, possibly showing nascent influences of the burgeoning Renaissance. The small flan size necessitated a concise yet impactful representation, focusing on the saint’s attributes or a stylized bust, characteristic of gold issues intended for high-value transactions.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 1.36 grams of gold, this Magdalon would have been struck on a relatively thin flan, making full and even strikes a premium. Key high-points for preservation would typically include the details of Mary Magdalene’s face, hair, and any accompanying symbols such as an ointment jar, if present. The strike quality often varied, with common issues including slight off-centering, weakness in peripheral legends, or minor planchet irregularities, which are important considerations for grading this rare and historically significant gold issue.