Piedfort Coins: A History of Prestige and Showpieces
Piedfort coins , distinguished by their unusually thick format , have held a special place in numismatics for centuries. Often twice as thick and twice as heavy as standard coins of the same design, piedfort coins were never intended for everyday circulation.
Early origins and purposes (from the 12th century):
- The earliest known piedfort coins come from 12th-century France. Similar thick strikes were later minted in England, including silver pennies under Edward I in the 13th century.
- The exact purpose of these earliest examples is still controversial. Theories include:
- Sample pieces for official approval by the mints.
- Reference pieces for engravers in geographically dispersed mints.
- Counting tokens or high-value jetons used by mint officials.
- Later Piedfort coins gained popularity as prestigious diplomatic gifts for kings, nobles and other VIPs. This is in line with the historical connection between coin collecting and the elite.
Formalization of Piedfort production (from the 14th century):
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The extreme rarity and growing demand for piedfort coins led to strict rules in medieval France regarding who was entitled to receive a piedfort version of a new coin design. Such regulations concerning the “droit de piedfort” (right of piedfort) are documented at least as far back as 1355.
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England also minted Piedfort coins, especially silver pennies during the reign of Edward I from 1272 to 1307. However, regular production there largely ceased towards the end of the 16th century.
Modern revival and continued popularity:
- France resumed production of Piedfort coins in the late 19th century , while Britain reintroduced them for public purchase in 1982 .
- The Royal Mint is particularly known for its commemorative coins in Piedfort design .
- China also entered the Piedfort market in 1988 .
Why are Piedfort coins interesting to collectors?
Piedfort coins combine an unusual appearance with special historical significance in coinage. The significantly thicker blank often makes the motif and relief particularly impressive. Furthermore, many Piedfort issues were produced only in small quantities.
However, the collector’s value does not depend solely on the higher weight. Crucial factors include the mintage, condition, precious metal, historical significance, provenance, and market availability. For modern issues, the minting quality and certification by NGC or PCGS can also play an important role.
Etymology:
- The term “piedfort” is derived from the French words “pied” (foot) and “fort” (strong, large, heavy).
- Literally translated it means “heavy foot”, but has the idiomatic meaning of “heavy weight”.
Piedfort coins offer a fascinating insight into the evolution of coinage and its role in diplomacy and collecting. Their rarity and historical significance continue to fascinate numismatists around the world.
Updated on June 18, 2026: This article has been professionally clarified and supplemented with additional information on the characteristics and collector value of Piedfort coins.
About the author:
Larissa Wasserthal is the co-founder of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store. She presents numismatic topics in an understandable way and combines historical background with a focus on modern collector coins.
