An absolutely stunning coin from the renaissance in France. This Herni III Franc is a large sized coin with highly detailed design features, all of which are clearly visible on this high grade circulated specimen. NGC has seen only two coins of this year with the single other coin graded slightly higher as an NGC AU50. A great opportunity for the collector. 

Henri III, also known as Henry III, was a significant figure in European history during the 16th century. He was born on September 19, 1551, and he reigned as King of France from 1574 until his death in 1589. Here are key points about Henri III:

  1. Birth and Early Life: Henri III was the fourth son of King Henri II of France and Catherine de' Medici. He belonged to the House of Valois-Angoulême.

  2. Accession to the Throne: Henri III became king in 1574 upon the death of his brother, King Charles IX. Henri III was the last of the Valois kings and faced significant challenges during his reign.

  3. Wars of Religion: Henri III's reign was marked by the ongoing Wars of Religion in France, which were conflicts between Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots). The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, a violent event targeting Huguenots, occurred in 1572 during the reign of his brother Charles IX.

  4. Edict of Beaulieu: In an attempt to bring about religious peace, Henri III issued the Edict of Beaulieu in 1576, granting religious freedom to the Huguenots and ending hostilities for a brief period.

  5. Struggles for Power: Henri III faced challenges from both Catholic and Protestant factions. He struggled to maintain control over the throne amid political intrigues and conspiracies.

  6. Assassination: Henri III's reign came to a tragic end when he was assassinated by a Jacobin friar, Jacques Clément, on August 1, 1589. This event took place during the Wars of the Three Henrys, a conflict involving Henri III, Henri of Navarre (the future Henri IV), and Henri I, Duke of Guise.

  7. Legacy: Henri III's death marked the end of the Valois line. The Huguenot leader, Henri of Navarre, eventually became King Henri IV, founding the Bourbon dynasty.

  8. Personal Life: Henri III was known for his extravagant lifestyle and patronage of the arts. He had no children, and his death without an heir contributed to the succession crisis that led to the War of the Three Henrys.

Henri III's reign was a turbulent period in French history, marked by religious conflicts, political instability, and power struggles. His assassination had a profound impact on the course of events in France, ultimately leading to the ascension of Henri IV and the establishment of the Bourbon dynasty.