French Franc a Cheval
OriginFrance
First Minted1360
MaterialGold
TypeCoin
About French Franc a Cheval
The first franc coin, a gold coin depicting King John II on horseback. Created to pay the ransom for the king after his capture by the English at the Battle of Poitiers. The name franc meant the king was enfranchised or freed. Worth one livre tournois. The franc a cheval is one of the most historically significant French coins, giving its name to the currency used for over 600 years.
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