Philippe VI, 1346

Duplessy 258; Friedberg 269, PCGS graded MS-64

Philip VI struck his own version of Philip IV’s chaise d’or denomination beginning in 1328. As on the Capetian model, the type depicts the king seated on a Gothic throne, but on the Valois version Philip VI is depicted holding two scepters rather than a scepter and a fleur-de-lis. The scepter in his right hand is the traditional fleur-de-lis scepter of France while the scepter in his left is the Main de Justice (“Hand of Justice”) a scepter topped with an ivory Hand of God in a gesture of blessing. This scepter, perhaps used at the coronation of Louis IX (1226-1270) and later refurbished for the coronation of Napoleon I or Charles X still resides in the collection of the Louvre.

17 July 1346. + P?ILIPPVS DEI GRACIA FRAnCORVM REX, king seated facing on elaborate gothic throne, holding scepter surmounted by Hand of Justice and lis-tipped scepter. Reverse: + XPC VInCIT XPC REG?AT XPC IMPERAT, cross fleurdelisée in quadrilobe; crowns in quarters.

Ex The Bru Sale (19 June 2010), 83