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1640 countermark on a 1571-R [Sainte-Andre de Villeneuve-les-Avignon Mint] Charles IX Double Sol Par

Currency:CAD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:300.00 CAD Estimated At:700.00 - 800.00 CAD
1640 countermark on a 1571-R [Sainte-Andre de Villeneuve-les-Avignon Mint] Charles IX Double Sol Par

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Host Coin of Charles IX (ruled 1560-1574), Vlack 1h Type - 1640 countermark on a 1571-R [Sainte-Andre de Villeneuve-les-Avignon Mint] Charles IX Double Sol Parisis, Ciani 1376, Duplessy 1085, Sombart 4466. Very Fine, nearly in the choice category, a boldly struck example of this large coin, completely unknown as a type and denomination to Vlack. The host coin is twice the weight of the Sol denomination (offered in the above lot), and a bit more than double the weight of the douzain types usually found as a host coin for the 1640 countermarks – and they were worth twice as much as a regular sol in circulation. The fleur-de-lys countermark on this issue raised its value from 30 Deniers (i.e. double the value of a Sol of 15 Deniers) to 36 Deniers. Boldly struck, the planchet slightly clipped, affecting a few of the letters in the legend, though most letters are bold, as is the design detail; the countermark is bold at the center obverse. The mintmark is strong at the lower obverse, and the last two digits of the date are visible next to it – this denomination was struck only from 1568-1576, so two digits and a mintmark is enough to securely attribute the piece. Very attractive dark pewter color, few marks from circulation and with wonderful eye appeal. Unlike the Sol Parisis host coin offered in the above lot, the Double Sol denomination was obviously larger than a douzain and would have circulated at its real value as a regular coin and at the increased rate in North America with the fleur-de-lys countermark. Extremely rare as a countermarked issue, the rarity perhaps accounting for Breen, Vlack and other authors not even knowing of their existence. Another opportunity the specialist should not ignore.