Teston of Henry III

Henry III's Teston stands out for its depiction of the king in a full-length portrait, a bold shift from the traditional bust that hinted at his flair for the dramatic amid the French Wars of Religion.

These silver coins, struck between 1574 and 1589, varied in quality depending on the mint. Some were produced in Paris, others in provincial centers like Lyon or Toulouse, where wartime disruptions often led to irregular strikes. The obverse typically showed Henry in ornate armor, while the reverse featured a cross or royal arms, symbols that could stir controversy in a divided nation.

We don't know exact mintage figures; records from that era are spotty, likely lost to time or conflict. What survives shows the coin's silver content was relatively pure, though economic strain sometimes forced shortcuts.

As for myths, I've heard tales of these coins being cursed by Huguenots. Nonsense—it's just metal, worn from circulation.