Teston - Charles IV and Nicole
| Silver | 8.66 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Lorraine (French States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | Charles IV (1624-1634,1661-1670) |
| Duchess | Nicole of Lorraine (1624-1634) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1624-1626 |
| Value | 1 Teston (½) |
| Currency | Pound |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 8.66 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#140251 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Crowned coat of arms, date above crown.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MONETA NOVA NANCEII CVS
1625
Translation: New coinage made at Nancy.
Comment
Nicole was the daughter of Duke Henri, and had married her cousin, Charles, the son of Francois II, count of Vaudemont in 1621. When Duke Henri died in 1624, the crown passed to Nicole, but Francois and Charles provoked the assembly to covene and affirm the crown could only pass to male heirs. Thus, the crown passed next to Francois (her uncle), who abdicated shortly thereafter in favor of his son Charles, though he retained the right to coin money for several years thereafter at the Badonvillers mint.So, in the span of just a few years, the coins of Lorraine bear first the name of Henri (until 1624), then Charles & Nicole (1624-25), then Charles IV alone (1626-34), while his father, Francois II minted concurrently from 1626-1632 (long after his brief reign had ended).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Teston coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in the Duchy of Lorraine. The coin was issued by Charles IV and Nicole, who were the ruling dukes at the time, and it was minted in the city of Nancy. However, the duchy was facing significant economic and political challenges, including a long-standing conflict with the neighboring Kingdom of France. Despite these challenges, the Teston coin remained a popular form of currency in the region and is now highly sought after by collectors for its historical significance and rarity.
