Description
The Hammered Coin 1592 France Carolu Besançon Charles V refers to a coin minted in 1592 at Besançon, which was a key mint during the reign of Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire (also known as Charles V, King of France). Charles V’s reign over France occurred during the French Wars of Religion, and his coins, particularly those minted in regional mints like Besançon, reflect the turbulent political and economic circumstances of the time.
Key Features of the Coin:
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Denomination: The coin you’re referring to is a carolus, which was a significant silver coin used in France and other parts of Europe during the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. The carolus was often a large, valuable coin, and it circulated widely across regions.
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Mint: This particular coin was minted in Besançon, a city in eastern France. Besançon was a significant mint during the reign of Charles V, and many of his coins were struck there. Besançon is located in the Franche-Comté region, which was a part of the Holy Roman Empire during Charles V’s reign.
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Year: The coin is specifically dated 1592, which places it within the later period of Charles V’s reign (his reign as Holy Roman Emperor was from 1519–1556, but his influence continued over regions in France during the Wars of Religion). However, note that after 1556, his rule was largely focused on his territories outside of France.
Design Characteristics:
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Obverse: The obverse of the coin typically features the portrait of Charles V, often depicted with a crown and wearing regal attire. The inscription around the portrait might read something like “CAROLUS V IMPERATOR”, indicating his position as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
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Reverse: The reverse typically features a shield of arms representing the Holy Roman Empire and France. The design would include symbols such as the imperial eagle, royal crown, and sometimes elements of the French fleur-de-lis or other heraldic symbols associated with Charles V’s reign. The inscription on the reverse might vary, but it would often reference his status as Emperor or King of France.
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Mint Mark: Coins minted in Besançon often carried a mint mark to identify the location of the mint. The mint mark might appear near the coin’s edge or in the field. Some coins also included a date of minting, which can be a crucial feature for collectors.
Historical Context:
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Charles V’s Reign: Although Charles V is more famous for his reign as Holy Roman Emperor (1519-1556), during the 16th century, his territories included large parts of France, especially the Franche-Comté region. The Wars of Religion in France, which lasted from 1562 until the Edict of Nantes in 1598, were a time of division between Catholics and Protestants, and these wars heavily influenced French coinage and politics. Besançon was often at the center of this conflict, as it was a border region between Catholic-controlled and Protestant-controlled areas.
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Minting in Besançon: Besançon was one of the mints that continued to produce coins during these years, though it was often a place of economic tension due to the wars. As a regional mint, it produced important coins like the carolus to support local economies and armies during these tumultuous times.
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Coins During the Wars of Religion: The minting of Charles V’s carolus in 1592 at Besançon during the French Wars of Religion indicates the ongoing struggles between different factions in France. The carolus coins were typically large, high-value coins used in both military and trade contexts.
Design of the 1592 Carolus:
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Obverse: On the obverse, Charles V is often depicted with a crown, perhaps a double-headed eagle, or other symbols of imperial power. This side emphasizes his imperial authority and dominance over his vast territories.
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Reverse: The reverse would typically show a shield or other heraldic symbols that reflect both his imperial status and French claims to the region.
Value and Rarity:
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Condition: The value of a 1592 Carolus coin largely depends on its condition. Coins that are well-preserved, with clear details on the portrait of Charles V, the mint marks, and the reverse design, are more valuable than heavily worn or damaged examples.
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Minting Year and Historical Context: The 1592 date of minting places the coin during a particularly tense time in France’s history, as it was in the midst of the Wars of Religion. This context can add historical value to the coin, especially for collectors interested in 16th-century French history or Tudor-era Europe.
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Rarity: Although coins from Besançon and Charles V are not exceedingly rare, certain coins with unique features, clear mint marks, or in particularly good condition can be rarer. Coins from 1592, when minting was often disrupted due to war, might have a slightly higher rarity factor.
Conclusion:
The Hammered Coin 1592 France Carolus Besançon Charles V is a significant piece of 16th-century European coinage. The coin reflects Charles V’s imperial authority over his French territories during a turbulent time in French history, with the Wars of Religion creating economic and political instability
