Knights Templar King of France // Philippe IV "le Bel"

Knights Templar-period France. Philippe IV “le Bel”, 1285-1314 AD. Billon Double Tournois, Tours mint. First issue struck 1295-1303 AD. Crusader cross with fleur-de-lis in one quarter, + PHILIPPVS REX / Castle tournois between two fleur-de-lis, + MON DVPLEX REGAL. ref: Duplessy 229, L: 234 for type. 20 mm, 1.43 g. Sharp detail, dark, nearly black patina. ** Struck during the height of power and glory of the Knights Templar, and supported their establishment of the world's first banking system for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and back. Once the patron king and greatest supporter of the Knights Templar, on Friday, October 13, 1307, Philip IV had hundreds of members of the order arrested in France and tortured until admitting heresy. Some died under torture, many were burned at the stake. Thereafter, Friday the 13th has become synonymous with bad luck and evil.

Accompanied by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity which includes all the details, culture, dating, motifs/inscriptions when applicable, historical relevance, and provenance.