bfe_712763 - TOWN OF BESANCON - COINAGE STRUCK AT THE NAME OF CHARLES V Demi-carolus ou Blanc

TOWN OF BESANCON - COINAGE STRUCK IN THE NAME OF CHARLES V

(1534-1674)

Charles Quint (1500-1558) was the son of Philippe le Beau and Jeanne la Folle. He became Duke of Burgundy (Franche-Comté) in 1506. To thank his minister, Nicolas Perrenot de Granvelle (1486-1550), a native of Besançon, Charles conceded on May 8, 1534 to the city the right to mint coins on condition of to include his effigy on the obverse. After his abdication in 1556 and his death in 1558, the Besançon continued to include the face of the emperor on the coinage.