1180–1223 France Silver Denier of Philip II

Medieval Silver Denier of the First King of France

Philip II was the first ruler to call himself the “King of France,” and his reign from 1180 to 1223 was a prosperous time that saw what had once been a minor feudal state grow into a full-fledged kingdom. In fact, under Philip II, France became the most powerful kingdom in all of Europe! This Silver Denier was struck under Philip II’s rule and is around 800 years old. The legend reads “PHILIPVS REX” and the reverse features a cross.

One of the most intriguing figures of medieval times, Phillip joined England’s King Richard the Lionhearted on the Third Crusade. The two kings did not see eye to eye, however, and Phillip returned to France in 1191. Upon returning home, Phillip aligned himself with Richard’s Brother against Richard, Prince John. Following Richard’s death, Phillip went to war with John and during the subsequent wars he more than doubled his territory by annexing Normandy, Maine, Brittany, Anjou, Touraine, and Poitou. Never content to see one nation gain power and prestige, a coalition of European powers, including England, went to war against France to knock the ascending nation down a peg or two. Phillip and his forces proved to be more than up to the challenge, and decisively defeated the coalition, thus establishing France as a leading country of Europe. Among Phillip’s other accomplishments was the establishment of Paris as the capital of France.

Your authentic medieval silver coin of Phillip II of France comes in Circulated condition and will come displayed in a protective capsule housed in a beautiful wooden presentation case along with a detailed storycard and a Certificate of Authenticity.