Watch List notes:

FRANCE. Besancon. Carolus, 1541. Charles V. PCGS AU-55 Gold Shield.
Roberts-7005. Well detailed and lustrous.

Although today Besancon is part of France, in 1541 it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. It was incorporated into France in 1678. Roberts comments, "One of the oddest portrait series within the boundaries of modern France is that of Besancon, the principal town of the Franche-Comte. In 1534, the emperor Charles V granted the town...rights to issue coinage...on condition that every coin must bear the date of issue, the coat of arms, and the portrait if himself, Charles V. Thus, his image graces all issues, large and small, for 140 years, until the town was conquered by the forces of Louis XIV in 1674.

Estimate: $100.00- $150.00