Obverse © @Tichat40
Obverse © @Tichat40
Denier - John I of Grailly ND
| Silver | 0.67 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | Lordship of Béarn (French States) |
|---|---|
| Lord | John I of Grailly (1412-1436) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1412-1436 |
| Value | 1 Denier (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.67 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#183651 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
MP✠ framing a triangle (degenerate PAX).
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MP✠
🐄 ONOR FORCAS
Translation: Peace; Right to Gallows.
Comment
In 1381, Béarn and the county of Foix passed into the house of Grailly. Son of Isabelle de Castelbon (sister of Mathieu) and Archambaud of Grailly, John of Grailly took over the centulle denier with, at the start of the legend, a cow turned to the left. John of Grailly was, after the Centules, the first lord of Béarn to put his name on his coins.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe, particularly in France. The Hundred Years' War between England and France had just begun, and the Lordship of Béarn, where this coin was minted, was a key strategic location in the conflict. The coin's minting was likely a response to the economic demands of the war effort and the need for a reliable currency for trade and commerce. Despite the challenges of the time, the coin's silver content and careful craftsmanship suggest that it was a valuable and highly sought-after currency in its day.
