gros tournois

coin

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June 29, 2026

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The gros tournois was a silver coin minted in France starting in 1266 under Louis IX. It was approximately 23/24 fine and weighed about four grams. The design featured a "castle" motif, similar to the earlier denier tournois, surrounded by an inscription and ornament that was frequently imitated.1

This coin was part of a broader monetary reform in France, where larger denominations became necessary due to the declining value of silver coins like the franc and livre. The introduction of the gros tournois, alongside a gold écu, marked a significant development in French coinage, moving towards larger and more varied denominations.21

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France
Urban prosperity
…(reigned 1226–70) to issue the gros tournois (worth 12 pennies) and the gold coin (which, however, had little importance before the 14th century). A gradual long-term inflation tended to favour commercial activity.
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…(reigned 1226–70) to issue the gros tournois (worth 12 pennies) and the gold coin (which, however, had little importance before the 14th century). A gradual long-term inflation tended to favour commercial activity.
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coin
Portugal
…was a similarly imitative silver gros tournois (based on the weight standard of Tours, Fr.). Peter’s successors developed his system. Copper was struck from the 15th century. From the 16th to the 18th century, gold was coined in quantity and in denominations of handsome size down to the half-escudo. In…
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…was a similarly imitative silver gros tournois (based on the weight standard of Tours, Fr.). Peter’s successors developed his system. Copper was struck from the 15th century. From the 16th to the 18th century, gold was coined in quantity and in denominations of handsome size down to the half-escudo. In…
Read More