© Comptoir des Monnaies
© Comptoir des Monnaies
Sterling - John II of Avesnes ND
| Silver | 1.36 g | 19.5 mm |
| Issuer | County of Hainaut (French States) |
|---|---|
| Count | John II (Jan II) (1280-1304) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1280-1290 |
| Value | 1 Sterling = ⅓ Groat |
| Currency | Gros (1071-1506) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.36 g |
| Diameter | 19.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#95647 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Long cross pattée dividing legend, a group of three pellets in each angle
Script: Latin
Lettering: VAL-ЄnC-hЄn-ЄnS’
Translation: Valenciennes
Comment
The "esterlin a la tete" was also struck at Mons and Maubege (see links). The Valenciennes type has been estimated to date from circa 1290.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe, specifically during the reign of John II of Avesnes, who was the Count of Hainaut and Holland from 1280 to 1290. This was a period of political instability and conflict, with the Hundred Years' War between England and France taking place just a few decades prior. Despite these challenges, the Sterling coin remained a widely used and trusted form of currency throughout the region.
