½ Liard / Gigot - Philip II 1587-1590 front ½ Liard / Gigot - Philip II 1587-1590 back
½ Liard / Gigot - Philip II 1587-1590 photo
© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.

½ Liard / Gigot - Philip II

 
Copper 2.5 g 22 mm
Description
Issuer
County of Artois (French States)
Count
Philip V (1556-1598)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1587-1590
Value
½ Liard = Gigot (1⁄160)
Currency
Florin (1506-1659)
Composition
Copper
Weight
2.5 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Milled
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#328628
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Crowned arms of Austria-Burgundy-Spain

Script: Latin

Lettering: DOMINVS · MIHI · ADIVTOR

Translation: The Lord is my help

Comment

The gigot with bust facing left is an earlier, undated type (see link)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in France. Philip II, who ruled from 1587-1590, was the last French king to rule from the House of Valois. During his reign, France was facing religious wars between Catholics and Protestants, and the coinage was heavily debased to finance military campaigns. Despite these challenges, the ½ Liard / Gigot coin remained a widely used denomination in the County of Artois, indicating the resilience and resourcefulness of the people during this period.