Philip IV and the Knights of Templar

I scored this off the 'bay a while ago and arrived today, a large medieval coin called a Gros Tournois. A silver coin invented by St. Louis appropriated from the Islamic coins of the day and modeled on the Grande Gros of Bohemond of Tripoli.

These coins were minted in Tours, France between AD 1304 and 1307, although other variations, imitations and issues were minted until the end of the hammered coin in the mid 16th century.

Philip IV The Fair, deeply indebted to the Knights of Templar, he convinced Pope Clement to dissolve the order. This comes along with the loss of the last Christian strongholds in the Holy land and Armenia and general lack of support for Crusades.

In France the Knights of Templar where a military order originally assigned to protect pilgrims on route to the Holy land, but by this time they had become an economic power house trading goods across the Mediterranean sea and had huge financial holdings throughout Europe. The knights sought to establish their own state similar to that of the Teutons who had founded the nation of Prussia.

Philip certainly did not want a state existing inside of his kingdom and decided that all lands and money should be transferred to the Papacy and Philip IV. Subsequently, the vast wealth was never found and most of the Templar knights were arrested, condemned as Heretics and burned at the stake.

So actually think the Templars made it to North America and established a settlement. This settlement has never been found and it is unlikely 14th century Templar ships could have made the voyage. The Ships designed with a shallow draft and sail, suggesting only coastal transit could be safely achieved. It is possible an attempt at exploration was made but most likely failed, and they never made it to North America.


Kingdom of France
Tours, France
Philip IV The Fair "le Bel" (r. AD 1268-1314)
AR Gros Tournois 25 mm x 4.00 grams (s. AD 1304-1307)
Obverse: +BHDICTV SIT HOME DHI nRI DEI IhV .XPI/ +PhILIPPVS REX, short cross pattee; 3-pellet stops.
Reverse: +TVRONVS CIVIS, châtel tournois; border of twelve fleur-de-lis, pellets flanking first lis.
Ref: Duplessy 213; Ciani 201; Roberts 2463.
Note: Awesome coin.

 

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A bit late for my interests, but what a fabulous coin. Great write up Noob.

 

Vast treachery inflicted!

 

I'm waiting for someone to tell me I messed up the photo!

 

It's beautiful.......

 

Aww thanks, but I flip-flopped obv. and rev.

 

I have the proto type to show!!!!

CRUSADER STATES
County of Tripoli.
Bohemond VII (r. AD 1275-1287.)
AR Gros 25 mm x 4.26 grams
Obverse:+ SEPTIMVS:BOEMVNDVS: COMES around cross within 12 polyfoil design.
Reverse:+CIVITAS: TRIPOLIS: SYRIE around castle with turrets within 12 polyfoil design
Ref:Sch.IV.21
Note: Large, old toning.

 

Jacques de Molay was a martyr........

 

Wow, Noob => that's a very, very cool coin ... I love the medieval coins from this era (awesome score!!)

Ummm, I have a few very cool French (and Italian) coins from around this era as well (hopefully they're invited to your thread-party?)

Lorraine, Duke of Lorraine, Theobald II
1303-1312 AD
Theobald II on Horse & Sword w Eagles (Alerions)


Duke of Milan, Bernabo & Galeazzo II Visconti
1355-1378
Serpent with maiden in mouth & Ambrose on Throne


LORRAINE, City of Metz
1415-1540
St Etienne Kneeling (Hand of God, above) & Family Shield

 

Since i intend to continue my Ancients up past Byzantine times (thus Medieval) , I will be repurchasing a few coins just like the one you posted (Great background info!!) and then continue up to my other recent purchases of early US types through the 1960's---the latter area as part of a single issue 'Type' collection.

I always find it so easy to get passionate about all areas of numismatics...and get a bit frustrated that i can't focus on all of them at once LOL

Is something wrong with your photo.... or do I have to start wearing my glasses again??!!??

 

And now I'm off to discover more about Louis and Clark (definitely not ancient stuff). I look forward to this thread on the morrow......

 

WOW Steve, The crusader and other Medieval coins I once owned DID NOT have the clarity and details of yours.. They are spectacular!!!

 

Nice stuff, AN.

 

It would be good for you to explain the factors you consider when identifying the obverse as opposed to the reverse and if it was no accident that both coins show the city on the left and the king's name on the right. If it were an accident of the photo, I would have expected one to be the other way. Discuss?

 

Also explain why there are 12 polyfoils. Accident? Art?

 

i think that coin is pretty dang sweet AN...great details. most coins form the period look pretty rough..but that on is very sharp.

 

These are the sort of modern coins I can appreciate.

 

Surprisingly both are in error, I think. I would assume the obverse would bare the name of the ruler and reverse the effigy, am I wrong in that regard? At some point I had come to the conclusion that the effigy should be on the obverse. I have looked for other pictures of the coin and it seems that some people have the effigy as the obverse some as the reverse.

Why there is 12 polyfoils? Why? Not sure, is there an answer, do we know? Do other know? Someone school me...I should do more research...

 

Does it have something to do with the number of Apostles? I know the Christians like using those divine numbers.

 

That's my first guess as well.