2019-08-28 Wed

Richard-I, also known as Richard the Fearless was the duke of Normandy from 942 to 996.

Richard was born on 28th August 932 to William Longsword, Princeps or ruler of Normandy and Sporta. Richard was about ten years old when his father was killed. With the death of his father in 1942, King Louis IV of France took the boy-duke into his custody.

In 946, at the age of 14, Richard allied himself with the Norman (An ethnic group that arose in Normandy, a northern region in France), Viking leaders, and with men sent by King Harold of Denmark. A battle was fought after which Louis IV was captured.

Richard made Normandy into a feudal society where he owned all the land. His followers held on to the lands given them by remaining loyal to him. He made Normandy a much stronger power in western France.

The above shown silver Denier was issued under his reign from Rouen mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the short cross Pattee, a pellet in each quarter. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin represents a temple with a St. Andrew's cross and pellets in each angle.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions