Gros Tournois of Philip IV

The Gros Tournois was a French medieval silver coin first issued in 1266 which quickly became a popular and widely used coin which was minted right up until the 16th century when it was replaced by the Teston. The Gros Tournois was originally conceived by Louis IX (Saint Louis) on his return from the Seventh Crusade (1248-1254) and its aim was to supplant the deniers and obols in use since the Carolingian reform and to create a stronger currency for trade and to unify all feudal entities. These early examples of the Gros Tournois were issued by Philip IV ‘The Fair’ (1285-1314), the grandson of Louis IX. The obverse features a cross surrounded by the kings name PHILIPPVS REX. On the outer rim, a Latin inscription reads BNDICTV:SIT:NOME:DNI: NRI:DEI:IHV:XPI”, meaning “blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. The reverse features a stylised image of the Tournois Castle with the mint name around the inner circle CIVIS TVRONVS. Very limited availability and a great opportunity to purchase one of the classic medieval silver coins at a reasonable price. The coins grade Very Fine or slightly better.