Old Sails: French Galleon is one the best Ships on Coins

Today we have a beautiful ship to consider: a French Galleon from the early seventeenth century.

This fully rigged ship is near shore with sails furled. The waters are calm with swirls of splashing against the hull. The hull is boldly blanked with gun ports (or big nails) showing. The aft castle is commanding, perhaps ostentatious -- this is a grand vessel for sure. A French shield with three lis is set above the mainland, reminding us that we are in French waters.

This is municipal jeton of Ville de Paris. The ship represents the arms of the city. It was produced during the reign of Henry IV (1589-1610) and is cataloged in Mitchner as 3389b; sadly, it is not pictured.

The legend on the reverse (ship side) reads: HIC VERTEX NOBIS SEMPER SUBLIMIS. This is a quote from Latin poet Virgil. He wrote this line in about 29BC in his first book (four in all) of Georgica. This line (#242) has been translated in various ways to mean: “The one pole to us is still elevated.” Basically, I take this to mean that city and its trade is positive, perhaps moved by a higher force. Of course, I welcome any opinions on this.

The obverse (not shown) depicts a king with a sword in his right hand and a branch of peace in his left hand. The legend reads: SEV PACEM SEV BELLA GERAS. This phrasing translates: “Peace is beautiful and good.” These words anticipate the legend on the reverse.

As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, I have quite a fondness for the French ship jetons. The vessels are detailed and realistic yet shaped with an artistic flair that makes them beautiful to the eye. The brassy copper ages to produce an interesting patina that brings out the contours. This is a great coin to pass around! And it was loved for 400 years.

Tell me, who doesn’t like a French galleon from 1604?

*A footnote: You want to get kids interested in collecting? Show them an old ship coin with a deep patina and just enough wear and tear to entice the eye.