Please Note: This is an authentic medieval French coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.
FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW
Knights on horseback… maidens in flowing robes… tapestries adorning the walls of fairy-tale castles – it’s easy to see why medieval Europe has captured our imagination from childhood. It is from this world – a world filled with daring feats of bravery, fascinating political intrigue, and stunning artistic developments – that our Coins of Medieval France collection come.
Once a group of medieval Frank states, at the time these coins were minted, France as we know it was being formed and solidified under a united kingdom, and the Gold Royal Ecu d’or and Silver Guenar were becoming the accepted standard in the united France. From the earliest days of a united France, to the birth of the Renaissance, these coins were minted at a place and time which would play a large part in creating the world we live in today.
The coins of late medieval France are a stunning combination of classical imagery and art combined with the intricate medieval letter-forms that are at once incredibly complex and easily read… once you train your eye to them!
The Frankish states, and united France, were Christian kingdoms. Like their neighbors, the French chose to celebrate and honor their faith on their coins – the designs and words on these coins were meant to serve as daily reminders of the source of true wealth.
Yes, that’s this coin’s actual name. It translates to: The Royal Gold Ecu of the Dolphin - and yes, there are dolphins on this coin - more below. Ecu is the denomination, like a dollar. Royal d’or signifies that this coin is an official gold coin of France.
A cross with fleur de lis at the terminals is called a Cross Fleuree. While we are used to associating the fleur de lis with France, this expression of the famous symbol is meant to remind viewers of the Godhead. The words around the cross are in Latin, and say: XPS VINCIT XPS REGNAT XPS INPERAT - Literally: Christ Overcomes, Christ Reigns, Christ Commands.
The Coat of Arms of Francis I feature both the fleur de lis and dolphins (remember, this is the medieval representation of the dolphin, which can resemble a sea serpent, much like classical art of ancient Greece and Rome). The legend on this side of the coin reads: FRANCISCVS DEI GRA FRANCORVM REX - Francis, by the grace of God, King of the Franks.
April's Notes: Extremely rare, virtually uncirculated, and stunning quality for its age - simply put, this is a breathtaking example of the beauty that is French royal gold coins. A wonderful size and perfect for daily wear.
Coins of this quality are extraordinarily difficult to acquire. And this is a rare "dolphin" issue. The stylized medieval dolphins appear with stunning detail on this coin, as well as the six-rayed sun (see red circles). A beautiful, top-grade example of one of the most exquisite coins ever minted.
Perhaps best of all, it is what we call almost "zero die axis." When these coins were struck, the top of one side of the coin rarely precisely matches the top on the other side - what we call "Medallic Orientation." This coin is one of the rare ones with perfect Medallic Orientation... you can wear it either side out.
Each one of these precious survivors is a work of art in its own right. Long lost, each has been rediscovered and has emerged from our Conservation Lab where it has been stabilized and conserved for generations to cherish.
How Your Medieval French Coin Came to Be
To understand where these beautiful French coins came from, you have to go back a few hundred years… to someone you’ve heard of: Charlemagne (768-814)! Also called Charles the Great, and sometimes the “Father of Europe,” Charlemagne was King of the Franks, which region became known as the Carolingian Empire. In just a few short years, he united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire, and laid the foundations for modern France and Germany. It was Charlemagne, together with an English counterpart, who created the medieval hand-hammered silver penny. The standard coin of what we call the “Dark Ages” the silver penny became a widespread currency, but it was often “debased” (the practice of making the coins with less silver than usual) and of unreliable value. And then, as centuries passed, the world began to change – by the 1300s the Renaissance and the Age of Exploration were beginning to dawn, trade was expanding, and Europe needed larger coins of reliable purity. New sources of silver and gold were discovered, and the creation of hand-hammered currency blossomed into the large, exquisite coins of late medieval France you see pictured here.
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
with your treasure coin purchase. Choose your chain and enter Coupon Code: CHAIN at checkout. (Does not apply to discounted clearance chains.)
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
Questions? Confused? Looking for a gift? We're experts at matching treasure to people. Give us a call at 503.436.1626, join us on Live Chat, or drop us an email at treasure@cannonbeachtreasure.com.
