½ Gold Henri - Henry II (1st type; 3rd bust) 1550-1559 front ½ Gold Henri - Henry II (1st type; 3rd bust) 1550-1559 back
½ Gold Henri - Henry II (1st type; 3rd bust) 1550-1559 photo
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg

½ Gold Henri - Henry II 1st type; 3rd bust

 
Gold (.958) 1.77 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
France
King
Henry II (Henri II) (1547-1559)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1550-1559
Value
½ Gold Henri
Currency
Livre tournois (1204-1795)
Composition
Gold (.958)
Weight
1.77 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#413795
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Cross of four H's with two crescents and two lis in the angles.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
DVM TOTVM COMPLEAT ORBEM 1553
B

Translation: Until it fills the entire circle.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the ½ Gold Henri - Henry II (1st type; 3rd bust) coin from France is that it was minted during a time of significant economic and political change in the country. The coin was introduced in 1550, just a few years after the French Crown had defaulted on its debts and devalued its currency, leading to widespread economic instability. Despite these challenges, the coin remained a popular form of currency among merchants and traders, and its gold content made it a valuable and reliable medium of exchange.