Obverse © @Tichat40
Obverse © @Tichat40
Douzain with crosslet - Henri I of Albret ND
| Billon | 2.35 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Lordship of Béarn (French States) |
|---|---|
| Lord | Henry I of Albret (1517-1555) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1517-1555 |
| Value | 1 Douzain (1⁄20) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 2.35 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#184433 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Cross in a quadrilobe.
Script: Latin
Lettering: :+: GRATIA* DEI* SVM* ID* QVOD* SVM
Translation: Thanks god, I am what I am.
Comment
Commentary by Jean Adrien Blanchet, co-author with Gustave Schlumberger of the work "Numismatique du Béarn" published in 1893:
"Many of Henri I d'Albret's coins bear a ringlet under the R of Henricus on the obverse. This secret point is undoubtedly placed there in imitation of similar marks found on the coins of the kings of France. However, I don't know whether the secret point on Henri d'Albret's coins is a workshop mark or a private master's mark. The question of different workshop masters is quite complex."
Imitation of Henri II's douzain à la croisette (see link below).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Douzain coin with crosslet - Henri I of Albret ND (1517-1555) from Lordship of Béarn (French States) made of Billon weighing 2.35 g is that it features a unique design element - the crosslet. This small cross symbol is placed above the coat of arms on the obverse side of the coin, and it represents the Christian faith of the ruler, Henri I of Albret. The inclusion of the crosslet was a deliberate choice made by the mint masters to highlight the religious affiliation of the ruler and to emphasize the importance of Christianity in the region. This feature makes the coin stand out from other coins of the time period and adds to its historical significance.
