CRS, France, médaille, collection Jean II le Bon, Jean le Bon, ARGENT

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This SILVER medaillehas been minted to commemorate the FIRST franc, the “Franc a cheval” everminted upon Jean le Bons return from captivity from 5December 1360, andfeatured combative imagery.

This medalhas been designed minted in 500 pieces, (100 in silver, 400 in bronze).

This one hasthe number LXXV/500 on the rim.

John II (16 April 1319 – 8 April1364), called John the Good (French: Jean le Bon), was the King of Francefrom 1350 until his death. He was the second sovereign of the House of Valois and is perhapsbest remembered as the king who was vanquished at the Battleof Poitiers and taken as a captive to England.

diameter– 59 mm, (ca 2⅜”)

weight– 87.60, (3.09 oz)

metal– SILVER, hallmark on the rim, mint patina

Prisonerof the English

As a prisoner of theEnglish, John was granted royal privileges, permitting him to travel about andto enjoy a regal lifestyle. At a time when law and order was breaking down inFrance and the government was having a hard time raising money for the defenceof the realm, his account books during his captivity show that he waspurchasing horses, pets, and clothes while maintaining an astrologer and a courtband.

The Treaty ofBrétigny (1360) set his ransom at 3millioncrowns.Leaving his son Louis ofAnjou in English-held Calais as areplacement hostage, John was allowed to return to France to raise the funds.

But all did not goaccording to plan. In July1363, King John was informed that Louis hadescaped. Troubled by the dishonour of this, and the arrears in his ransom, Johndid something that shocked and dismayed his people: he announced that he wouldvoluntarily return to captivity in England. His council tried to dissuadehim, but he persisted, citing reasons of "good faith and honour." Hesailed for England that winter and left the impoverished citizens of Franceagain without a king.

John was greeted in London 1364 with paradesand feasts. A few months after his arrival, however, he fell ill with anunknown malady. He died at the Savoy in April1364. Hisbody was returned to France,where he was interred in the royal chambers at SaintDenis Basilica.