2021-01-28 Thu

Saint Gontrand was the king of the Kingdom of Orleans ruling from AD 561 to AD 592.

He was the third eldest and second eldest surviving son of Chlothar I and Ingunda. On his father's death in 561, he became king of a fourth of the Kingdom of the Franks and made his capital at Orleans. The name "Gontrand" denotes "War Raven".

Gontrand had a period of intemperance. He was eventually overcome with remorse for the sins of his past life and spent his remaining years repenting of them, both for himself and for his nation. In atonement, he fasted, prayed, wept, and offered himself to God.

Throughout the balance of his prosperous reign, he attempted to govern by Christian principles. He was generous with his wealth, especially in times of plague and famine. He strictly and justly enforced the law without respect to a person, yet was ever ready to forgive offences against himself, including two attempted assassinations. Gontrand munificently built and endowed many churches and monasteries. St. Gregory related that the king performed many miracles both before and after his death, some of which St. Gregory claimed to have witnessed himself.

Depicted here is a tremissis bearing Guntram's effigy and minted at Chalon-sur-Saone. The obverse of a coin depicts Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust on the right. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin represents Victory standing frontally holding a short cross and a crown.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org