© Yannick Roszak
© Yannick Roszak
¼ Ecu - Henry III of Navarre
| Silver | 9.56 g | 29.5 mm |
| Issuer | Lordship of Béarn (French States) |
|---|---|
| Lord | Henry II of Béarn (1572-1610) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1586-1589 |
| Value | ¼ Ecu |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 9.56 g |
| Diameter | 29.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#405840 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Crowned shield quartered 1 and 4 Navarre, 2 Béarn, 3 Bourbon, accosted by II-II.
Script: Latin
Lettering: *GRATIA. DEI. SVM. Q. D. SVM. 1588*.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great religious turmoil in France. Henry III of Navarre was a Huguenot (French Calvinist) who became King of France in 1589, and his reign was marked by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. Despite these tensions, the coinage of the time remained relatively consistent, with the ¼ Ecu denomination being introduced during his reign. This coin is a rare example of a silver coin from the Lordship of Béarn, which was a region in southwestern France that was known for its strong Protestant presence.
