History of the French
Franc
 1360
: The first Franc in the history
of French coinage, the "Franc à cheval" was
issued in 1360. This gold coin worth a
livre tournois, or Tours pound, was struck
during the Hundred Years War, when King
John the Good, who had been captured by
the English in 1356 at the battle of Poitiers,
was freed.
The word "Franc", used in the
context of the period, means "free".
It also mean:member of the Frank people.
| The "Franc à cheval" |
 |
Obverse : portrayal of the king
on horseback, which gave the coin its
name. He is wearing armour and a crowned
helmet.
Legend : Johannes Dei Gratia Francorum
Rex (John, King of the Francs by
the Grace of God)
|
 |
Reverse :
Cross crowned with flowers in a four-lobed
figure
|
The "Franc à cheval" continued
to be struck until 1385. In the same way,
from the reign of Charles V, a "Franc à pied" (the
king portrayed standing) of the same value,
was issued.
1575
: Henri III created the silver
franc, a heavy coin (14 g) worth one
livre tournois
(pound of Tours). But a royal declaration
of 1586 forbade its minting as these coins
were frequently clipped. On the other hand,
the issue of half francs and quarter francs
was maintained up until 1642.
Then the term
franc, synonymous with livre or pound,
became obsolete.
|
