© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.
© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.
Gold Écu "Chaise d'Or" - John III in name of Louis IV of Bavaria ND
| Gold | 4.5 g | 29 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Brabant (Belgian States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | John III (1312-1355) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1338-1347 |
| Value | 1 Gold Ecu (50) |
| Currency | Groot (1183-1506) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 4.5 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#139646 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Floriate cross in quadrilobe, clovers (or florets) in angles of quadrilobe
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: XPC VINCIT XPC REGNAT XPS IMPERAT (punctuation by double annelets)
Lettering (regular font): XPC VINCIT XPC REGNAT XPS IMPERAT (PUNCTUATION BY DOUBLE ANNELETS)
Translation: Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands
Comment
Also listed as Friedberg 4-5 (Belgium) and 176 (Germany)Witte 374 has the emperor wearing an open-top crown, and in Witte 375 it is a closed-top (the more common variant). A variant with obverse legend ending in InI and punctuations by double saltires reverse is also known.
Issued by Duke John III of Brabant in the name of Holy Roman Emperor Louis/Ludwig IV of Bavaria. Mint records show that striking of this coin began in November 1338. Louis' death (1347) marks the likely latest date the coin would have been issued.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Gold Écu "Chaise d'Or" coin is that it was minted during a time of great political turmoil in the Duchy of Brabant, which is now part of modern-day Belgium. The coin was issued by John III, who was the Count of Luxembourg and claimed the throne of the Duchy of Brabant, which was then held by Louis IV of Bavaria. This coin was minted as a way to assert John III's claim to the throne and to demonstrate his authority over the region. Despite the political tensions, the coin remained in circulation and is now a highly sought-after collector's item due to its rarity and historical significance.
