Kingdom of France, Philip VI of Valois, Ecu d'or à la chaise

During his 22 years in power, King Philip IV of France (1328-1350) issued ten different types of gold coins altogether. They show the king holding a scepter, sword or shield, either standing or seated on a throne. What we see here is a so-called écu d'or à la chaise. The king sits on a high, richly decorated throne with Gothic pinnacles. He holds his sword in one hand, while the other lays on the French fleur-de-lis shield. The inscription reads PHILIPPVS DEI GRA FRANCORVM REX (Philip, King of France by the grace of God). The reverse shows a cross fleury and the inscription XPC VINCIT XPC REGNAT XPC IMPERAT: Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat (Christ prevails, Christ reigns, Christ commands).