© CGB
© CGB
Teston - Henry II and Marguerite of Valois
1577 year| Silver (.917) | 9.3 g | 28.5 mm |
| Issuer | Lordship of Béarn (French States) |
|---|---|
| Lord | Henry II of Béarn (1572-1610) |
| Lady | Margaret of Valois (1572-1599) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1577 |
| Value | 1 Teston (½) |
| Currency | Livre |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 9.3 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#76029 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Crowned coat of Arms of Navarra-Bearn.
Script: Latin
Lettering: •GRATIA•DEI•SVM•QD•SVM•1577 ★
Translation: By the grace of god, I am what I am.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Teston coin is that it was minted during a time of religious turmoil in France. Henry II, who is depicted on the coin, was a Catholic king who was at odds with the Protestant Huguenots, and the coin was minted in the Lordship of Béarn, which was a region that was known for its religious tolerance and diversity. Despite the religious tensions of the time, the coin still bears the image of both Henry II and his wife, Marguerite of Valois, who was a Protestant. This coin is a unique piece of history that reflects the complex religious landscape of 16th-century France.
