Lot 3248
France: Navarre. Ducat, ND. Fr-175; PA.3374. Catherine De Foix & Jean D'Albret, 1483-1512 (Catalina de Albret & Don Juan de Aragon). Crowned busts facing each other. Reverse :; Crowned arms of Navarre. Mint state with outstanding portraits, all detail is sharply struck up. Very Rare. NGC graded MS-61.
The Kingdom of Navarre is considered as a part of the Spanish monarchy today, but it actually started as a small kingdom of the Basques, not the Visigoths nor the Franks. The kingdom had a closer relationship with France rather than the Castilian crown during the medieval period, and played an important role in trading. The native royal line intermarried with the French dynasties and in 1234 when the last native king died, the kingdom became totally French.
Queen Catherine was the last ruler of Navarre before the Castilian-Aragonese invasion in 1515. The presented piece was issued during her reign, even though it appears similar to the Spanish gold excelente, these coins are actually considered as issued under French influence. This is the first example we've ever handled, and probably one of the finest piece of the type.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
