Gros Tournois - Louis IX ND
| Silver (.958) | 4.219 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | France |
|---|---|
| King | Louis IX (Saint Louis) (1226-1270) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1266-1270 |
| Value | 1 Gros (1⁄20 LT) |
| Currency | Livre tournois (1204-1795) |
| Composition | Silver (.958) |
| Weight | 4.219 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#57848 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 76% |
Reverse
Châtel tournois surmounted by a cross, outer border of twelve lilies (the upper lily is flanked by two dots, as is the surrounding ove, symbolizing the last 12 tournois).
Script: Latin
Lettering: + TVRONVS. CIVIS
Comment
Issued en masse by the kings of France in the economically and monetarily troubled period of the early 14th century, copied by forgers and imitated by all foreign princes, gros tournois often cannot be attributed to any particular mint. A study of the style of the coins reveals many of them to be badly engraved, sloppy or marred by errors; imitations come to mind, although we cannot be certain that the official workshops did not also have sloppy or negligent engravers. The comparison of weights is an indication, alas also subject to caution; forgers did not necessarily cheat on weight, and some very good pieces may have been trimmed.
The gros tournois with the legend: LVDOVICVS, were minted by Saint Louis from 1266 until his death in 1270. Some authors think that some of them can be attributed to Louis X (1314-1316); this question remains controversial. Some were probably minted in clandestine workshops or by unscrupulous lords after Louis IX, i.e. after 1270.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Gros Tournois - Louis IX ND (1266-1270) coin from France is that it was minted during the reign of King Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis, who was known for his devotion to religion and his efforts to reform the French currency. This coin was part of a series of coins minted during his reign that featured a new standardized design, which included the king's name and title on one side and a cross on the other. This coin, in particular, was minted in silver and weighs 4.219 grams, making it a valuable and collectible piece for numismatists today.
