Teston - Henri II and Marguerite of Valois 4 Arms shield
| Issuer | Béarn, Lordship of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1577 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Teston (1/2) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 8.85 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | PA#3476, Dy féodales#1317 |
| Obverse description | Busts face to face, a crown above. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
HENRICVS•II•D•G•REX•NAVARRE•D B (Translation: Henry II, by the grace of god, king of Navarra and lord of Bearn.) |
| Reverse description | Coat of Arms of Navarra, Bearn, Bourbon, France, etc. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
•GRATIA•DEI•SVM•ID•QD•SVM•1577 ★ (Translation: By the grace of god, I am what I am.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1577 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1851388660 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This silver teston, struck in 1577, hails from the Lordship of Béarn during the tumultuous French Wars of Religion. It was issued under Henri III of Navarre, who would later ascend to the French throne as Henri IV. At this time, Béarn was a staunch Protestant stronghold and a crucial power base for Henri, leader