ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Jean II, King of France, 1319-1364 · Public domain
Franc à Cheval
France
1365–1572
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$553.71
Based on Gold spot price ($4,795.98/oz) · 90.0% purity · 3.99g
Updated 6:41 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Years Minted | 1365–1572 |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.99 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Depicts the king on horseback.
Reverse
Features a cross or shield with the royal arms.
History & Notable Facts
The Franc à Cheval was the first French coin to depict a king on horseback, a stark visual claim to power amid the chaos of the Hundred Years' War.
This gold coin, weighing around 3.97 grams and struck from 22-karat gold, featured the monarch in full armor on one side and the royal arms on the other. Minters produced it from 1365 until 1572, with variations depending on the reigning king—John II through Charles IX. Some planchets came from recycled sources, though records don't specify.
Exact mintage numbers are murky; many archives burned in later conflicts. That said, surviving specimens show wear from circulation, evidence of their use in trade across Europe.
As for myths, not every one I hear involves cursed knights. But let's not go there.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The Franc à Cheval has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo