Rare France Gold Coin Franc a Cheval - Golden Franc "on horseback"
Jean Le Bon (John II the Good)
Denomination: 1 Livre tournois
Year: 1350-1364
Authenticity is guaranteed and certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation NGC
High graded for such old coin as MS 61
To verify the authenticity of this coin, please enter the certification number on the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation NGC certificate verification web page
Country: France
King: John II the Good (1350-1364)
Composition: Gold .999
Weight: 3.85 g.
Diameter: 29 mm
Catalog References: Duplessy 294, Ciani 361, Fr. 279
Obverse: King mounted on caparisoned horse left, wearing armor, surcoat, helmet, and coronet. Rev: Compound cross fleuronee in quadrilobe
Lettering: IOhAnnES:DEI :GRATIA FRAnCORV:REX
Unabridged legend: JOHANNES DEI GRATIA FRANCORUM REX
Reverse: Compound cross fleuronee in quadrilobe
Lettering: +XPC*VInCIT*XPC*REGNAT*XPC*IMPERAT
This coin was devised by Jean II after his release from captivity in London and struck to pay his ransom owed to the English, who kept his son Louis as a hostage. Jean voluntarily returned to England, where he later died, to be a hostage after his son Louis escaped captivity.