What is particularly interesting about this catalogue is that included are a number of coins that are peripheral to French Royal coins, for instance, issues of the great magnates of the land. Thus this catalogue is the latest that could be used as a quick answer book for the non specialist.
At the inexpensive end of the market was a good example of a ‘groat’ of the separate kingdom of Navarre under Ferdinand the Catholic of Spain. Estimated at Fr900-1000, it realised Fr1200 (£114). Of more monumental appearance – and greater dynastic confusion – is the franc d’argent of Béarn, Navarre’s neighbouring kingdom. This was ruled by Henri II (1572-1607) who (in the manner of James VI of Scotland/I of England) also ruled Navarre as Henri III, and, in rugby parlance, earned his triple crown as Henri IV of France!
The Pyrennean kingdoms had a complicated history and consequently an interesting coinage, which may explain why the coin, clearly stamped Henricus II, was catalogued as a Navarre coin of Henri III. Estimated at Fr1600-1800, it made Fr2100 (£200).
A lot of Gaul
PARIS: The whole history of French coins from Gaulish times to the present was covered by the Jean Vinchon (10.764% buyer’s premium) sale in Paris on November 6. Because it was a single collection rather than the random assemblage that chance had brought across the counter there were many choice examples on offer.
