Douzain of Henry III

The Douzain of Henry III was struck in copper but valued at twelve deniers, a fiscal illusion that kept the kingdom's economy limping along during the Wars of Religion.

These coins emerged from French mints between 1574 and 1589, bearing Henry III's profile on one side and a cross potent on the other. The metal choice reflected wartime shortages, with copper stepping in for pricier silver alloys. We know the designs varied slightly by mint, like those in Paris or Lyon, but exact production figures vanished in archival fires long ago.

What survives shows the coins' edges often bear file marks, evidence of tampering by enterprising fraudsters. If you're handling one, note the crude strike—Henry's ruff looks more like a smudge than royal finery. Circulation wore them thin quickly.

Plenty of myths swirl about these as lucky charms, but they're just coins, plain and functional.