franc à cheval

coin

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

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The term "franc à cheval" refers to a historical French gold coin, literally meaning "franc on horseback." This coin, also known as a "louis d'or," was minted in France before the French Revolution. It was introduced around 1360, with the king depicted on horseback, to commemorate his ransom from the English. This contrasted with the "franc à pied" (franc on foot), which showed the king standing. The franc was originally a French currency unit, and the name "franc" itself may derive from "francorum rex" (King of the Franks) or simply mean "French". Gold coins like the louis d'or became necessary as silver coins like the franc and livre diminished in value. After the Revolution, Napoleon continued minting similar gold coins, calling them "napoleons," with a value of 20 francs.12

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franc
…it was known as the franc à cheval to distinguish it from another coin of the same value later issued by Charles V of France. This latter coin was called the franc à pied because it showed the monarch on foot standing under a canopy. During the 17th century the…
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…it was known as the franc à cheval to distinguish it from another coin of the same value later issued by Charles V of France. This latter coin was called the franc à pied because it showed the monarch on foot standing under a canopy. During the 17th century the…
Read More