© CGB
© CGB
Denier anonymous ND
| Billon | 0.94 g | 18.5 mm |
| Issuer | Viscounty of Limoges (French States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1240-1275 |
| Value | 1 Denier (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.94 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#107398 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Cross.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ VICECOMEഗ
Unabridged legend: Vicecomes
Translation: Viscount.
Comment
The cessation of production of the barbarins of the Viscounty of Limoges (with the cross cantoned by a "G", attributed with certainty to Guy V) towards the middle of the 13th century marked the appearance of a Viscount denarius clearly claimed +VICECOMES on the reverse, LEMOVICENCIS and S.M on the obverse. The absence of coins of this type in buried treasures after 1255 seems to mark the end of this coinage. However, texts dated 1263, 1271 and 1273 mention a mint by Viscountess Marguerite at Aixe-sur-Vienne.Poey d'Avant writes that this anonymous coinage was a new attempt by the Viscounts of Limoges to regain control of coinage. The aim was to counterbalance the credit of the barbarians of the Abbey of Saint-Martial. The viscounts therefore adopted the type of the bishops of Vienne (in France, not the Austrian Vienne). One of the reasons for this imitation was that the letters "SM", for "Sanctus Mauricius" in the bishopric of Vienne could be interpreted as "Sanctus Marcialis" in the viscounty of Limoges.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in France, specifically during the reign of King Louis IX (also known as Saint Louis) who ruled from 1214 to 1270. This was a period of significant political, social, and economic change in the country, including the establishment of the first French parliament and the rise of the nobility. Despite these challenges, the Viscounty of Limoges was able to maintain its independence and issue its own coins, such as this Denier anonymous ND (1240-1275) made of Billon weighing 0.94 g.
