seignette

A seignette is a type of coin that was issued by the French crown during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. The term "seignette" is derived from the French word "seigneur," meaning lord or master, reflecting the royal authority behind the coinage. Seignettes were typically made of silver and were used as a form of currency in France. They were often issued in denominations that were smaller than the denier, the standard unit of currency at the time.

The design of seignettes varied, but they commonly featured the royal coat of arms on one side and a religious or heraldic symbol on the other. The obverse often included the royal monogram or the name of the reigning monarch, while the reverse might depict a religious figure, such as the Virgin Mary, or a heraldic device.

Seignettes played a significant role in the economic life of medieval and early modern France. They were used in trade, as a means of payment, and as a store of value. The issuance of seignettes was closely tied to the financial policies of the French crown, and their circulation was influenced by factors such as the availability of silver and the economic conditions of the time.

The use of seignettes declined in the late 17th century as the French crown shifted towards a more centralized monetary system. The seignette was eventually replaced by the livre tournois, which became the standard unit of currency in France. Despite their eventual obsolescence, seignettes remain an important historical artifact, providing insights into the economic and political history of medieval and early modern France.