World Silver France - 1152-1180 Denier, Provins PCGS XF45

Provins, France. Denier of Henry I (1152-1180). Obverse: + RICDVMS CATO. Champagne comb surmounted by a cross with two ringlets. Reverse: + SEEI: OEMIS CIVI. Cross confined with two bezants, an alpha and an omega, suspended from the arms of the cross. Poey d'Avant 5975; Boudeau 1760; per PCGS, PA-5972. PCGS has graded one as XF45 with none finer.

The city walls and towers of Provins. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

As evidence of its growing significance, by the 9^th century Provins was striking its own coins: the “denier provinois.” Charlemagne had sent his missi dominici to the town. Provins was under the protection of the Counts of Champagne, and hosted one of the largest Champagne fairs in Medieval Europe.

These agricultural and trade fairs were crucial to the medieval economy. The upper section of town saw the expansive fair held twice each year, in May and November. While in the lower town, there was a yearly market each September. It was at that time that Provins became a banking center, and the denier was widely accepted throughout Europe. The Champagne fairs took place from 1120 until 1320.