Rider "Franc à Cheval" - Louis II de Male ND
| Gold | 3.82 g | - |
| Issuer | County of Flanders (Belgian States) |
|---|---|
| Count | Louis II of Male (1346-1384) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1361-1364 |
| Value | 1 Gold Rider |
| Currency | Groot (864-1506) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.82 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#409118 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Voided, floriate triple cross inside quadrilobe.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ XPC ⁑ VINCIT ⁑ XPC ⁑ REGNAT ⁑ XPC ⁑ IMPERAT
Comment
This type is a very rare variant of the Franc a Cheval of Louis de Male (see link) in which the words COMES Z DNS FLADRIE (Count and Lord of Flanders) are replaced by ROMER Z DNS IMPATORIE (perhaps meant as Lord of Imperial Flanders ).
In their auction listing (Jean Elsen Auction 158, March 2024), Jean Elsen et Ses Fils explains that this type was previously believed to be a foreign imitation, but their examination shows the engraving to be identical to the main type, hence they believe it to be an official issue. According to mint records, the franc a cheval was only struck in Ghent 1361-1364. The Mechelen mint was also open 1357-1364, but with no mention of this type having been struck there.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the "Franc à Cheval" coin is that it features a unique design of a knight on horseback, which was a symbol of power and prestige during the Middle Ages.
