France Double Tournois - Henri III, 1577 – 1587

2 Deniers from France. Issued from 1577 to 1587. Struck in Copper. Measures 20 mm and weighs 2.5 g.

Obverse

Bust on the right, slightly bearded and mustachioed, cuirassed, flat collar. Slight differences between the 1578-1585 and 1587 busts. A1 bust 1578-1585, younger appearance, laurels protruding slightly. A2 bust 1587, larger moustache, narrower shoulder pad. The workshop letter (A) may be straddled, within the legend or between two dots. Start of legend at 6 o'clock, 14 mm circle. The circulation figures for the 1579 and 1580 vintages are to be understood as global for these 2 vintages. The circulation figures for 1582 to 1585 are to be understood as global for these 4 vintages. The circulation figure for 1587 is to be understood as the total number of doubles and deniers minted in that year.

Reverse

Start of legend at 12 o'clock with a potent cross. 13 mm circle. Three lilies set 2 and 1. The vintage can be between two dots or without dots. This coin is very common, but according to the study of the busts, it cannot be attributed to the League period. It probably corresponds to the coins minted in 1577, which have never been found despite a high mintage figure. In 1587, the cross on the reverse is smaller, as on coins of the following types. Some coins without a vintage are missing the L in POL. Variety CGKL#84.A: Dot under the A and star located in the grenetis at 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, 9 o'clock and 12 o'clock or dot under the A alone without stars. Variety CGKL#84.B: Potential cross under the A and star in the grenetis at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock. These coins are quite rare.

Edge

Smooth