FRANCE. Aquitaine. Cavalier d'Or, ND. Charles (1468-74). PCGS AU-55 Gold Shield.

Fr-19; Poey d'Avant-3138. 3.43 grams. Obverse: Ruler in full armor charges right on warhorse, wielding sword and shield bearing the devices of France and Aquitaine, title: "KAROLVS DVX AQVITANIE" divided by stars and sailing cog; Reverse: Gothic frame holds floriate cross with lis and lions (sometimes called leopards) in the angles, abbreviated Latin legend: "CHRISTUS VINCIT, CHRISTUS REGNAT, CHRISTUS IMPERAT", Christ Conquers, Reigns and Commands. This coin was almost certainly struck at Bordeaux, and is one of the last four gold coins of the once-flourishing Duchy of Aquitaine, which extended from the Pyrenees to the Loire at its peak. As an ultimate RARITY of the overall French coinage it has few equals. As with so many gold coins of this era, the planchet is somewhat uneven but is virtually fully round, exhibiting a perceptible double strike and substantial luster. This representative of a little-understood era of French history must be recognized as among the finest in existence; finding a comparable piece may well be impossible.

Ex: Stack's, January 2008, lot 2566 at $80,000 hammer. Ex: Credit de la Bourse Auction, April 1993, lot 1528. Ex: E. Gariel Collection, Monnaies Francaises, Henri Hoffmann, April 27-May 5, 1885.