Gros of Philip IV

The gros of Philip IV wasn't just any silver coin; it was one of the first to bear the king's full-length figure on the obverse, a bold move that asserted his authority in an era when rulers often hid behind shields.

This coin, struck in Paris and other French mints, typically weighed around 4 grams and was made from .958 fine silver. Variations appeared over his reign, reflecting adjustments to fund wars and administrative reforms. For instance, later issues showed subtle changes in design, like the placement of the fleurs-de-lis, as the crown grappled with inflation.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that period are scarce, likely destroyed in later conflicts. What we do have are surviving examples that reveal wear patterns, suggesting heavy circulation among merchants and peasants.

As for myths, I've heard tales of these coins being cursed by the Templars—nonsense, of course. They were just money.