Henry VI, King of England and France (1422-1453). Gold Salut d'or, undated (3.46g). Mint-mark fleur de lis. Saint-Lo mint. Madonna and archangel Gabiel behind arms of France and England. Rev. Latin cross between fleur de lis and leopard in polylobe (Fr 301; Elias 271; Spink 8164). In NGC holder graded MS 64, natural flaw near bottom edge, still a lovely fully struck example with abundance of original mint fresh luster. Value $2,000 - UP
The embattled Charles VI introduced the salut d'or ("gold greeting") on August 11, 1421, as a 24 carat gold coin of 3.885 g worth 25 sous tournois. It received its name from the depiction of the Annunciation on the obverse. It was followed almost immediately in November by an emission of saluts d'or struck by Henry V for French territories in his control. His young son, Henry VI (reigning as Henri II of France) produced a second emission in 1423, but this was struck to a lighter standard of 3.496 g. The present salut d'or belongs to this second issue. It differs from Charles VI's original type in several regards-although Gabriel still greets the Virgin Mary with an ave, the positions of the figures are transposed and the arms of both France and England appear as on the angelot d'or fraction. The English lion is also used to punctuate the surrounding legend, leaving no doubt as to the origin of the issuing king.
Ex Terner Collection by Private Treaty.