Coin Pièce France double tournois Copper Henri III 1588

Copper double tournois struck during the reign of Henry III (1574-1589), last king of the Valois dynasty and son of Henry II and Catherine de Medici. The date 1588 is legible on the reverse, below the field.

This small billon/copper coin, abundant at the time, was used for everyday transactions. The piece displays a warm brown patina typical of ancient bronzes, with relief still clearly legible on both sides.

Obverse: Bust of the king facing right, laureate and cuirassed, flat collar. Circular legend starting at 6 o'clock: HENRI · III · R · DE · FRAN · ET · POL (Henry III, King of France and Poland ? Henry III having been elected King of Poland in 1573).

Reverse: Three fleurs-de-lis arranged 2 and 1, surmounted by a crown. Legend: + DOVBLE · TOVRNOIS · 1588.