Blanc a la Colombe

The dove on the Blanc à la Colombe wasn't merely a pretty emblem; it represented peace in a reign riddled with wars and alliances under Louis XI.

Struck in silver from French mines, these coins featured the dove on one side and the king's arms on the other, with varying mint marks that hint at production in Paris or other royal centers. We know the series ran from 1475 to 1483, but exact mintage figures vanished with medieval records. Some planchets might have been repurposed from earlier issues, though that's speculation.

Weights varied slightly, typically around 3.8 grams, reflecting the era's inconsistent standards. As for myths, I've heard tales of these coins being used in secret treaties—nonsense, of course. They were currency, plain and simple.

Exact designs evolved over the years, with later strikes showing wear on the dies. Pity the forgers; they never got the dove quite right.