Code: 12881
This is a French silver Teston minted at Lyon in 1560. It bears the portrait of King Henry II in armour. This coin was minted a few months after the death of King Henry in a jousting accident in 1559. The Kingdom of France had passed to his son and heir, Francis II, husband of Mary Queen of Scots. The mint continued to issue testons and coins bearing Henry's portrait until a new die had been made for the young Francis. However, this never happened as Francis died in 1560 from an ear infection, and Mary returned to Scotland a widow.
Bust of Henry II, cuirassed on the right.. Inscription: ·HENRICVS. II. D. G. FRANC. REX. M. (Henry II, by the Grace of God, King of France)
Crowned shield of France accosted by two crowned H; letter of workshop at the point of the shield. Inscription: + XPS VINCIT. XPS. REGNAT. XPS. IMP. 1560. M · "Christ conquers. Christ reigns. Christ commands. 1560"
This is a superb example with a clear portrait XF-AU Toned
DENOMINATION: Teston
CULTURE: Renaissance France
MONARCH: King Francis II in the posthumous name of his father Henry II
DATE: 1560 AD
MATERIAL: Silver
SIZE: 28mm diameter
WEIGHT: 9.44 grams
ATTRIBUTION: Dy royales# 1031 ( 2e type )
