France Double Sol Parisis 1569 Unique

Coinlover101

We all know about the beautiful French Double Sol Parisis coins that sort of bridged medieval times with the revolution.

Here I present a rather interesting 1569 specimen with CARO in the legend rather than the usual CAROLVS. Additionally at 12 hours the legend displays FRANC rather than FRAN.
The C of FRANC is also ligated to the R of REX which is a previously unseen variation.

Curiously there is no mintmark in the legend. Perhaps there is one in the worn area between REX and the date but it's difficult to ascertain.

Gadoury and Duplessly mention an illegal mint opening in Montauban (South of France) in 1569. However there is no known coinage from this mint so comparison between dies is impossible.

Illegal mints were common in the region during this time of the Wars of Religion period. When Montauban was a Huguenot stronghold several Protestant controlled towns struck coins without royal authorization in order to create separation from the Catholic crown and to fund military defense.

I'd love to hear from experts in French coinage about this 1569 piece. I'm assuming that this coin is not totally unique but perhaps it is the only surviving die?

cinque1543

I am not familiar with your coin, but I see that something similar sold in 2009 (a long time ago!) for €184. There is a bit of history that you probably already know about in this link.

Coinlover101

@cinque1543 said:
I am not familiar with your coin, but I see that something similar sold in 2009 (a long time ago!) for €184. There is a bit of history that you probably already know about in this link.

Thank you. It's an interesting series to look into. The coin in your link is very interesting however the die is vastly different than my coin. I'll keep on searching. Do you know who I might reach out to in France?

cinque1543

The link I sent you earlier is from Numismatics Paris. Here it is again, but to their French Royal Coins page. I've made one purchase from them based on a positive experience from another member of this forum. I, too, was pleased with their service. But I am collecting 19th-century French gold coins, so I can't speak with any direct experience on medieval.

Also, below is a list of dealers who were at the World's Fair of Money show in Oklahoma City back in August, and who identified themselves as dealers in medieval coins. Good luck on your search!

Coinlover101

Brilliant. Thank you!