World Silver France - 987-998 Denier, Beauvais PCGS XF45

FRANCE, Royal. Hugh Capet. 987–996. AR Denier. Belvacus (Beauvais) mint. Struck by Hervé, Bishop of Beauvais (987-998). Obverse: HERVEVS HVGO REX, cross pattée confined with two bezants; pellet in second and third quarters. Reverse: BELVΛCVS CIVITΛS, Carolin monogram. Duplessy 1; Lafaurie 6; Ciani 12; Poey d'Avant 6455; Boudeau 1891; Roberts 2251.

This is a very rare issue. PCGS has graded only 1 as XF45, with none finer.

This denier is from Hugh Capet, King of the Franks (987-996) and Herve, Bishop of Beauvais (987-998). It was struck at the Beauvais Mint. This coin is of the first royal French coin type, and the only attainable type in the name of Hugh Capet as king.

The entire coinage of Hugh Capet, as king, is composed of deniers and obols from Beauvais, and deniers from Laon. The rarity of the Beauvais deniers is similar to that of the pennies of the English king William II.  These coins were poorly struck and many dies were crudely engraved.

However, instead of being official products of the crown, the Beauvais coins were struck by Herve, Bishop of Beauvais from 987 to 998. As such, they are also considered feudal issues, and are listed in both French royal and feudal references. The reason for the bishop's coining of this type is unknown.

Coronation of Hugh Capet (941-996). A miniature from a manuscript of the 13th or 14th century, Paris, France. Image: Wikimedia Commons.