Philippe VI introduced this denomination in 1337, the same year Edward III of England formally claimed the French throne — an act that ignited the Hundred Years' War. The timing was not coincidental; war demanded reliable silver coinage to pay troops and suppliers, and the gros filled that role as older issues were increasingly debased or hoarded.
The .639 fineness reflects a deliberate reduction from earlier French gros standards, a fiscal compromise that allowed the crown to stretch its silver reserves during the opening phase of the conflict. Duplessy 262 is the standard reference.
Philippe VI introduced this denomination in 1337, the same year Edward III of England formally claimed the French throne — an act that ignited the Hundred Years' War. The timing was not coincidental; war demanded reliable silver coinage to pay troops and suppliers, and the gros filled that role as older issues were increasingly debased or hoarded.
The .639 fineness reflects a deliberate reduction from earlier French gros standards, a fiscal compromise that allowed the crown to stretch its silver reserves during the opening phase of the conflict. Duplessy 262 is the standard reference.