FRANCE. Franc, 1585-M. Toulouse Mint. Henry III (1574-89). NGC AU-58.Duplessy-1130A; Ciani-1434; Roberts-3612. Called a <em>franc au col fraise </em>and valued at one-third <em>ecu dor</em>, this type was struck at numerous mints 1575-86 with many variations in the placement of the date and mintmark. Due to massive clipping, the regime ultimately suspended production in 1586. That said, this survivor is far better than most pieces manufactured during that period, displaying a strike that is nearly full, softening ever so slightly along portions of the edges, with clean fields and attractive tone that compliments both sides. Easily one of the finer examples weve seen on the whole.From the Collection of Dr. James Eustace Bizzell, II.
