Moneta Francia Denier au M - Marseille - 730-740 - Silver

Coin from France: Denier with "M," minted in Marseille around 730-740, in VF+ condition, silver.

The obverse shows a large "M" topped with a bar or tilde, with another bar below and a pellet at the center of the "M," all surrounded by a border of dots.

The reverse features four intersecting lines dividing the field into several lozenge shapes with two pellets scattered in the field.

This obverse closely resembles those on Marseille specimens found in the Cimiez hoard, buried around 745 and discovered in the mid-19th century. The lozenge-shaped design on the reverse may represent a monogram of the letters "M" and "A" for Massilia. This similarity to deniers from the Cimiez hoard offers an intriguing dating marker, suggesting it was struck around 730-740, just before the beginning of Pepin the Short's reign in 751. This piece was struck with worn dies. Reference: MEC 542.