Teston - Francis I 8th type

The teston was France's answer to the large silver coinages spreading across Europe from Italian city-states, introduced under Louis XII and expanded significantly by Francis I. By the eighth type, the design had been revised repeatedly as Francis adjusted his monetary policy during a reign defined by expensive Italian wars and an arms race with the Habsburgs. The fine silver content held remarkably consistent across these type changes — a deliberate signal of royal creditworthiness to foreign creditors financing his campaigns.

Ciani's reference numbers for this type remain the most precise guide to distinguishing the eighth from the seventh, with differentiation hinging on minor legend variations rather than any substantial design overhaul.