Dombes operated as a semi-autonomous French principality under the Montpensier branch of the Bourbon family, and Francis II ruled it during the most destructive phase of the Wars of Religion. Billon coinage of this period was struck under chronic pressure — metal shortages, disrupted trade, and competing monetary authorities all forced regional lords to issue small denominations just to keep local commerce functioning.
The spread of reference numbers across Divo's catalogue reflects genuine die variation within the type, not simple restrikes.
Dombes operated as a semi-autonomous French principality under the Montpensier branch of the Bourbon family, and Francis II ruled it during the most destructive phase of the Wars of Religion. Billon coinage of this period was struck under chronic pressure — metal shortages, disrupted trade, and competing monetary authorities all forced regional lords to issue small denominations just to keep local commerce functioning.
The spread of reference numbers across Divo's catalogue reflects genuine die variation within the type, not simple restrikes.