What is a Piedfort?
One piedfort is an exceptional type of coin known for its heavier weight and high quality. The name comes from French and literally means strong foot. In coinage, it refers to a turn whose weight is a multiple of the prescribed coin weight. A piedfort is therefore not a separate coin value, but a special variant of an existing currency.
Origin and meaning
The first piedforts appeared in medieval France. Mint masters converted these heavy specimens as test to serve or as gift to the client of the coin. Due to their limited number, they were quickly regarded as symbols of prestige and craftsmanship.
From the 17th century do piedforts also come into the Dutch Republic for. They were manufactured more often and sometimes even sold to interested collectors. In addition to their ceremonial value, this also gave piedforts a commercial function in early numismatics.
An example: the Amsterdam Piedfort Dukaton 1672
A well-known Dutch example is the Amsterdam Piedfort Dukaton from 1672, a coin of extraordinary rarity. Where a regular dukaton weighs around 32 grams, the piedfort version has a weight of 65 gram. The coin combines double thickness with an exceptionally sharp stroke and was probably made as a presentation piece for a high-ranking person.
This type of coin, often included in major auctions such as Schulman Auction 385, is seen by collectors as a highlight of 17th century craftsmanship.
Characteristics of a Piedfort
A piedfort can be recognized by various properties:
- Higher weight than the regular currency
- Thick relief and a striking depth in the design
- Sharp exit high quality
- Limited edition, often only a few copies
- Different origin or special mention in archives or catalogues
Because of this combination of features, piedforts are both technically and historically valuable to collectors.
Why are Piedforts so valuable?
The value of a piedfort is determined by various factors.
Important are:
- The rarity: many piedforts exist in only a few copies
- The provenance: coins with a proven origin from a well-known collection or historical context are particularly sought after
- The quality of the stroke: piedforts were made with extra care
- The period and meaning: pieces from the Golden Age or French Era are often extra popular
In addition, the artistic value a role. Piedforts are not only collectibles, but also witnesses of mint art and artisanal perfection.
Piedforts in the Modern Age
Modern mint houses also sometimes issue piedforts, often in silver or gold and with a limited edition. These modern piedforts are mainly published for collectors and have a commemorative function. Nevertheless, historical specimens, especially from the 17th and 18th centuries, remain the most popular pieces in the numismatic world.
Piedforts at Schulman b.v.
Schulman b.v. has in her auctions and valuations piedforts recorded regularly. Thanks to our expertise in rare tests and special exit types we can carefully determine the origin and value of such documents.
Our specialists describe and present piedforts with an eye for detail and historical context. This is how these special coins retain their value and significance in Dutch and international numismatics.
