© Schulman auction house
© Schulman auction house
1⁄12 Ecu - William Henry three lilies
| Silver | 2.2 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Principality of Orange (French States) |
|---|---|
| Prince | William Henry (1650-1673, 1679-1702) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1657-1661 |
| Value | 5 Sols (¼) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.2 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#129758 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Crowned shield with three pseudo-lilies.
Script: Latin
Lettering: SOLI·DEO·HONOR·ET·GLO 1661
Unabridged legend: SOLI DEO HONOR ET GLORIA
Translation: Only to god, honor and glory.
Comment
These busts are clear imitations of the coinage of Louis XIV with a juvenile bust. The only coins with a real image of the prince are ¹⁄₁₂ Ecu from 1684.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1657-1661 William Henry (three lilies) 1/12 Ecu coin from the Principality of Orange (French States) is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in France. The Principality of Orange was a small state located in the southeastern part of France, and it was a vassal state of the French crown. In the mid-17th century, France was experiencing a period of civil war known as the Fronde, which lasted from 1648 to 1653. Despite this turmoil, the Principality of Orange was able to maintain its independence and continue minting its own coins, such as the 1/12 Ecu coin featuring William Henry (three lilies) from 1657-1661. This coin is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of the Principality of Orange during a time of great upheaval in France.
