World Silver France - 1169-1196 Denier, Poitou PCGS AU50

Anglo-Gallic issue of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), King of England (1189-1199) and count of Poitiers (1169-1196 and 1198-1199) Denier (1169-1199, Poitou).  Hammered coin struck of Billion.

Obverse: Short cross pattée and Latin script: ✠ RICΛRDVS REX (King Richard). Reverse: Legend in three lines in Latin: PIC/ TΛVIE/ NSIS (of Poitiers). Potiers Mint (France).  The coin is struck as Count of Poitiers (a title that Richard takes from his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine) but also relates to his title as King of England. PCGS has graded one as AU50 with none finer. PA-2505; Elias 8; SCBC 8008.

Effigy (circa 1199) of Richard I at Fontevraud Abbey, Anjou, France. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Richard I (8 September 1157—6 April 1199) was known as Richard Coeur de Lion or Richard the Lionheart. That was due to his repute as a great military leader and warrior. He was King of England from 1189 until his passing in 1199. Richard also ruled as Duke of Normandy, Aquitaine, and Gascony, as well as Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, Anjou, Maine and Nantes. Additionally, he was overlord of Brittany at different times during the same period. Richard was the third of five sons of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Therefore, he was never expected to become king. However, his two elder brothers predeceased their father.