© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Teston - Charles IV
| Silver | 9.1 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Lorraine (French States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | Charles IV (1624-1634,1661-1670) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1626-1632 (1626-1634) |
| Value | 1 Teston (½) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 9.1 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#33782 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 85% |
Reverse
Crowned nine-fold arms of Lorraine. Date above crown 1 - 6 - 2- 7.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MONETA·NOVA·NANCEII·CVSA
1627
Translation: New coinage from Nancy.
Comment
Varieties:There are three major subtypes, and numerous punctuation varieties.
- 1626. Obverse the head is larger, the bust divides the legend near 5:00, and the duke wears a wide lace collar. Legend has MAR or MARC. Reverse, last word of legend abbreviated C (for CVSA) Flon 6, p.699. Saulcy - . Rarer type than main type
Copyright @CGB
- 1627, varieties exist with the reverse legend punctuated by rosettes, or crosses. The date is normally represented 16 - 27, but sometimes 1 - 6 - 2 - 7 (main photos)
1627 with rosettes reverse:
Copyright @tdziemia
1627 with crosses reverse:
Copyright @tdziemia
- 1629 Different bust, with less pronounced collar, etc. Obverse legend ends DVX C B G. Saulcy XXVI, 6.
Copyright @Jean Elsen et Ses Fils
- Undated. The bust is the same one as used for the Remiremont teston of 1638 (see link below), but the reverse says this coin was struck at Nancy, so a date range 1632-34 is likely.
Copyright @Jean Elsen et Ses Fils
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Teston coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in Europe, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire. Charles IV, who ruled the Duchy of Lorraine, was involved in a series of conflicts, including the Thirty Years' War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648. Despite these challenges, the Teston coin remained a stable and widely used currency throughout the region.
