Henri IV (1589–1610) Navarre double tournois, 1594, Saint-Palais, very rare

  

Double tournois of Navarre, 1594, Saint-Palais. (Henry IV, by the grace of God, king of the Franks and the Navarrese).

Bust of Henry IV facing right, laureate and armored, with a small flat collar. Below the bust: the coat of arms of Navarre. Three lilies arranged 2 and 1.

References: Duplessy 1280 - Sombart 4196. The Navarre double tournois was struck only for three years, from 1593 to 1595.

Stéphan Sombart, in FRANCIAE IV, notes having seen a total of 11 specimens, including 4 for the 1594 date. The CGB website shows one for the year 1594, in about Very Fine condition, fairly close to this example. Copper, 18.5 to 20 mm - 3.50 g. Irregular flan, oblong in shape, with a slightly granular appearance. Although the flan is short in places, the legends remain fully readable on both the obverse and reverse, which is rare for Navarre double tournois, which were rather crudely made.

The central designs are fairly sharp, with even wear on the high points of the relief. I am selling part of my collection: please take a look at my other items!