Seignettes

Seignettes are a type of French coin that were minted from the 13th to the 18th century. They were initially introduced by King Louis IX in 1266 and were used as a means of standardizing the weight and purity of silver coins in France. The term "seignette" comes from the French word "seigne," which means "sign" or "mark," reflecting the royal authority behind their minting.

Seignettes were initially made of pure silver, but over time, their composition varied. They were often made of a silver alloy, with the exact composition changing based on the economic conditions and the value of silver. The coins were minted in various denominations, with the most common being the denier, which was worth one-twelfth of a French pound.

The production of seignettes was a significant part of the French economy, as they were used for both domestic and international trade. They were also used as a form of currency in the colonies, where they were often used alongside local currencies. The seignettes were widely accepted and circulated throughout Europe, reflecting the influence of the French monarchy.

The seignettes were eventually replaced by the French livre in the 18th century, as the French economy shifted towards a more centralized monetary system. However, the legacy of the seignettes can still be seen in the modern French currency, the euro, which is based on the French franc, which in turn was based on the seignette.