© Quiquengrogne
© Quiquengrogne
Denier immobilized in the name of Centule ND
| Billon | 1 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Lordship of Béarn (French States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1080-1250 |
| Value | 1 Denier (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 1 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#7911 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 68% |
Reverse
PA✠ framing a triangle.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PAX
✠ ONOR FORCAS
Translation: Peace; Right to Gallows.
Comment
Centule III (1012-1058) received from the Duke of Aquitaine Sancho the Great the sovereignty of the country and usurped the right of coinage.In reality, the production of coins (obols and deniers) did not begin before 1080 under Centule IV (1058-1088) who took the name of count. Centul V died in 1134. However, coinage continued for nearly 200 years.
"[The inscription] (H)ONOR FORCAS (or FORQVIE) is the affirmation of the right to Gallows, or of high and medium justice, of the viscounts of Béarn. [...] It is later in time that, from the existence of these apparatuses of criminal jurisdiction, the castle took the name of castle of Fourquie and finally of Hourquie".
"[We must] take the term PAX in its primitive and concrete sense of "Social Peace", of "Material Order", assured over the entire surface of the viscount's domain. Understood in this way, it is quite natural that it be followed the affirmation or rather the reminder of what was the guarantee of this Peace, of this Order: the right of high justice, HONOR FORCAS, the right to Gallows, manifestation of the repressive power of the viscounts, sovereigns of Béarn.
On the meaning of the words “PAX” and “HONOR” on Béarn coins, by M. Deloche.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during a time of great turmoil in Europe, particularly in the south of France, where the Lordship of Béarn was located. The coin was minted during the reign of Centule ND, who was the Lord of Béarn from 1080 to 1250. This was a period of political instability and conflict, with the Cathar Crusade taking place in the nearby region of Languedoc. Despite these challenges, the coin still maintains a high level of craftsmanship and beauty, showcasing the skill of the medieval mint masters.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (1080-1250) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Denier immobilized in the name of Centule ND (1080-1250) coin.
