Écu d’Or – French Historical Replica Coin

Explore medieval France through this Écu d’Or replica, featuring a seated king with a shield on one side and an ornate cross on the other. Minted in Europe with the size and feel of the original, this modern reproduction brings royal coinage into your hands.

The history behind the coin

France's first écu d'or was introduced under Louis IX in 1266. The seated-king design shown here belongs to the écu à la chaise tradition introduced by Philip VI in 1337. Its name refers to the king seated on a throne, with the royal shield beside him. The French word écu means shield.

How the original was used

Historical écus d'or were gold currency used for substantial payments, not small everyday change. At the beginning of the Hundred Years' War, Philip VI used large quantities of écus à la chaise to subsidize his allies in the Netherlands. The type was widely copied there, reflecting its importance beyond France.

The design

The seated ruler and fleur-de-lis shield express French royal authority. On the reverse, an ornate cross within a four-lobed frame combines Christian imagery with the decorative style of medieval coinage.

Your replica

• One modern Écu d’Or replica coin
• Gold-colored appearance
• Minted in Europe
• Made with the size and feel of the original
• Seated king and ornate cross designs on opposing sides

A hands-on addition to a historical replica collection or a teaching aid for exploring medieval French money. The image shows both sides of one coin; the purchase is for one replica. This is not an original medieval coin. The historical name d'or and references to gold describe the original currency, not the metal content or plating of this reproduction.