Teston à la tête nue 5ème type - Henri II

Henri II inherited a teston denomination that had been evolving since Louis XII first introduced the large silver coin to France in the early sixteenth century, largely in imitation of Italian grosso types. This fifth type, distinguished from its predecessors by subtle die modifications accumulated across a decade of production, was struck simultaneously at multiple French mints — each adding its own mint mark — making die attribution a genuine exercise rather than a formality.

The reign saw chronic pressure on silver supplies as American metal had not yet fully penetrated French monetary circulation at the volumes it would reach under his successors. Henri II was killed in a jousting accident in 1559, leaving two full years of posthumous striking under his titles before the type was retired.