Francis II, King of France who ruled from 1559 to 1560 was dominated throughout his reign by the powerful Guise family. He was also King consort of Scotland as a result of his marriage to Mary, Queen of Scots, from 1558 until his death in 1560. His short reign was dominated by the first stirrings of the French Wars of Religion.

He ascended the throne of France at age 15 after the accidental death of his father, Henry II, in 1559. The court then moved to the Loire Valley, where the Chateau de Blois and the surrounding forests were the new king's home. Francis II took the sun for his emblem and for his mottoes Spectanda fides (This is how faith should be respected) and Lumen rectis (Light for the righteous).

Francis II had a brief reign. He became king as an inexperienced teenager, at a time when the kingdom was struggling with religious troubles. Historians agree that Francis II was fragile, both physically and psychologically, and his frail health led to his early death.

Depicted here is a coin issued under his reign representing, his father’s bust on the obverse face.

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