Brittany. François I gold Ecu d'or au chevalier ND (1442-1450) MS61 NGC, Rennes mint, Fr-95, Dup-318, Boudeau-124, PdA-1195 var. (legends), Bigot-1089 var. (same), Jéz-385c. 3.36gm. +: FRΛnCISCVS: DЄI: GRΛ: BRITOnV: DVX: R: (double mullet stops), François, crowned and armored on horseback, brandishing sword in right hand, and holding shield in left, advancing right / +: DЄVS: In: ΛDIVTORIVm: mЄVm: In: TΛnDЄ: R: (double mullet stops), cross fleuillue with each limb terminating in trefoil, ermines in angles, all within quatrefoil. A coin whose visual quality far exceeds its assigned numeric designation, its surfaces virtually devoid meaningful handling, and the whole of the piece facing up markedly choice. Both naked eye observation and close magnification reveal satin luster to the surfaces, with die polish filling the recesses of the reverse cross. By far one of the nicest examples of the type we have been able to locate, and a full 6 points finer than the Briand specimen (the last we offered, an AU55). Notably, neither Poey d'Avant, Bigot, nor Jézéquel seem to record this legend variety.

HID09801242017

© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website