2019-11-01 Fri

Philip II was the first king of the great Capetian kings France reigning from 1180 to 1223. His predecessors had been known as kings of the Franks, but Philip became the first French monarch to style himself “King of France”.

Philip was born on Gonesse on 21 August 1165, to King Louis VII and his third wife, Adela of Champagne. He was originally nicknamed Dieudonne (God-given) because he was the first son and born late in his father’s life.

Philip transformed France from a small feudal state into the most prosperous and powerful country in Europe. He was a major figure in the Third Crusade to the Holy Land in 1191. He built a great wall around Paris known as "the Wall of Philip II Augustus", re-organized the French government and brought financial stability to his country.

The above shown Denier Tournois was issued under his reign. The obverse of a coin depicted the cross, Pattee. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin engrave the Castle tournois.

Image Source: wikipedia.org