ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Philippe VI. Autorité émettrice de monnaie [Royaume de France]. Atelier monétaire. Émetteur · Public domain
Gros Parisis
France
1266–1350
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$9.80
Based on Silver spot price ($80.23/oz) · 90.0% purity · 4.22g
Updated 2:27 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Years Minted | 1266–1350 |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.22 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Depicts a cross with the inscription of the king's name, such as + LVDOVICVS REX.
Reverse
Features a châtel or shield with the inscription + PARISIENSIS.
History & Notable Facts
The Gros Parisis was one of the first French coins to standardize silver content at about 58 grains, helping to curb the rampant debasement of earlier currency. This reform under Louis IX aimed to stabilize the economy amid medieval trade chaos. Struck in Paris from 1266 onward, it bore the fleur-de-lis and a cross, symbols that echoed the king's power without much flair.
Details on its production are sparse. We know it was minted on hand-hammered planchets, likely from local silver sources, but exact weights varied slightly over the decades. Records from the period are fragmentary; for instance, no precise mintage figures survive, lost to time and revolutions.
One version featured a peculiar double strike, which sometimes resulted in off-center designs. Historians argue over whether this was intentional or just poor craftsmanship. Either way, it kept forgers on their toes.
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