CVC & Collectables presents a classic medieval French silver coin: the Gros Tournois, struck circa 1285–1290 under King Philip IV (“Philip the Fair”). This large silver piece, produced in the town of Tours, is notable for its round ‘O’ in TVRONVS and lack of punctuation—key diagnostic traits that place it among the early issues of Philip IV’s reign.
Coin Highlights:
- Kingdom: France
- Ruler: Philip IV (1285–1314)
- Type: Gros Tournois
- Date Range: circa 1285–1290
- Denomination: 1 Gros (1/20 Livre Tournois)
- Composition: Silver (.958 fine)
- Weight: 3.81 g
- Diameter: 25 mm
- Mint: Tours (Châtel Tournois type)
- Reference: Dy Royales #213
- Strike: Hammered
- Orientation: Variable
- Grade: Not certified (assumed raw unless otherwise noted)
Obverse:
- Design: Cross pattée within a beaded border, surrounded by double legends
- Legend: PHILIPPVS REX
- Outer Legend: BNDICTV SIT NOME DNI NRI DEI IHV XPI
- Translation: “Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Reverse:
- Design: Stylized city gate (Châtel Tournois) surrounded by a border of 12 fleur-de-lis
- Legend: TVRONVS CIVIS (City of Tours)
- Note: Features a round ‘O’ in TVRONVS and no punctuation—key traits for early Philip IV classification
Collectibility:
This Gros Tournois stands out for its clear legends, identifiable type (round ‘O’, no interpunction), and solid silver weight. Collectors of medieval French coinage, early European monetary history, or hammered silver types will find this an essential piece representing the widespread influence of French minting in the late Capetian era. Find more alike here!
