AR denier, 18mm, 1.22gr, Obv: BERINGARI, central cross. Rev: NARBONA C, 4 annulets. Mint is Narbonne. R4342; Boud 736 (25 as the rarity estimate); PdA 3749; Dup 1537.

Raymond Berenger was a viscount of Narbonne, dating from before the period the title became hereditary. He succeeded Raymond I (966-1023) and was succeeded by Raymond II (1067-1080).

Billon denier, 21mm, 1.47gr. Obv: +CIPVI+TATIS, central monogram. Rev: +CARCASONA, central cross. Mint is Carcassonne. R4233v (different monogram); PdA 3779v (different monogram); Dup 1513. Not in Boud.

AR denier, 19mm, 1.2gr. Obv: AIANRGO, center REX. The legend is actually 'A' without the cross bar. Rev: POHCIO COHES, central latine cross with top branch also 'P', one besant in upper left quadrant. Mint is Toulouse. Dup 29v (which cites two besants); Ciani 47; Boud 707; Dup 2004 1203; PdA 3660. PdA discusses the obscure meaning of the obverse inscription, favoring (I think) a genealogical link between the issuer and Henri I. Pierfitte 6. Pierfitte cites Longperier as saying AIANGO 'est une forme romane meridionalle du nom de Henri.'  RRR.

AR denier, 1.28gr., 19mm. Obv: BERTRAN;COME, central cross. Rev: +TOLOSACIVI, central monogram OVS. Mint is Toulouse. R4221v; Dup 1222v (which has central OTS). Dup 1223 obole has the central OVS but does not cite a denier with OVS. Boud 713; PdA 3682.

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AR denier, 19mm, 1.16gr. Obv: BERTRAN COM, central cross, besant in 4th quadrant. Rev: +TOLOSA CIVI, long footed cross between two besants. Mint is Toulouse. R4494; Boud 7115; PdA 3683; Dup 1220.

These two deniers show fairly different styles. The first is the more traditional Toulousain style with three center letters in a triangular arrangement. Pierfitte associates this grouping, along with ETO, E:X, VPT, VPTX and SOL with the decedents of Pons. The second coin, with the cross and two besants, is Aragonese in style. Pierfitte argues that Bertrand looked to Alphonse of Aragon for help in reconquering territories seized by William IX of Aquitaine. In return, he became a vassal of Alphonse and his money changed to reflect the Spanish style.

The descent from the comte de Toulouse caused conflict at the end of the 11th and into the early 12th century. Bertrand's grandfather was Pons, comte de Toulouse (1037-60, 1057 a la Settipani). Pons had two sons, William IV (d. ~1093 a la Settipani) and Raymond IV of St. Giles. 'St Giles' was a title Pons gave Raymond. William, as the elder son, inherited but had no sons, only a daughter, Philippa. When William IV went to the Holy Land in 1088 he left his brother Raymond to govern in France in his stead. Philippa was married at a young age to William IX, duc d'Aquitaine, in 1094. The duc d'Aquitaine claimed Toulouse as his posession by right of marraige and her descent from the elder son.

On the death of his brother William IV, Raymond claimed the title of comte de Toulosue and held it in his own right from 1093 until his death in 1105. However, Raymond was a crusader. He was one of the leaders of the first crusade and left for the Holy Land in 1096. In France his son Bertrand ruled as the effective comte. On Raymond's death on February 25, 1105, at his chateau of Mont Pelegin near Tripoli, his son Bertrand inherited his titles and lands, including comte de Toulouse. He found himself in conflict with William IX of Aquitaine over the succession to Toulouse.

Betrand went to Tripoli to take possession of his father's estates in 1208. He remained there, as comte de Tripoli, fighting his father's enemies, until his death on April 21, 1112.

AR denier, 1.3gr., 19mm. Obv: VVIELMO COME, central cross with 'S' in the second quadrant. Rev: +TOLOSA CIVI, central monogram. Mint is Toulouse. R4225; Pierfitte #49, both as William IX; Boud -; Dup 1210 as William IV of Toulouse (1060-88); PdA 3676 as William IV. The discrepancy in the dates for William IV here and under Betrand (above) is due to the fact that when William IV went crusading he had his brother Raymond IV rule in his stead, so while he held the title until he died, he was away for the last five years of his rule and his brother Raymond was the effective comte de Toulouse.

Attribution of this coin is confusing because Raymond IV (1088-1105), Bertrand (1105-12) and Alphonse Jourdain (1122-48) all had Toulouse coinage, overlapping with William IX's dates. Pierfitte makes the argument for a William IX attribution on stylistic grounds. He argues the PAX design emerged at the start of the 12th century. Pierfitte (p49) goes on to say that William made this type of coinage during the two periods he controlled Toulouse. It is interesting that William's new design survived the subsequent reversion of control back to the original Toulousain line, under Alphonse Jourdain and his descendants. This suggests that PAX had a meaning larger than a specific dynastic manifestation.

It is interesting then to ask what was the source for the new PAX design. Bisson (45-47) suggests as one possibility that it was a consequence of the Peace of God movement that grew out of Catalonia and became influential in Languedoc and Bearn at the end of the 11th and into the 12th centuries. This was a movement whereby rulers and their vassals would commit to certain codes of behavior aimed at preserving peace in their lands. The incentive was often ecclesiastical recognition of some territorial claim and stick was commonly the threat of Church sanction, up to excommunication. As a part of pledging to the Peace, there was often a 'confirmation' of the coinage, a pledge to maintain the integrity of the coinage. Bisson (45) notes "The maintenance of coinage, no longer a local oddity, was becoming recognized as a major concern of Christian society."

While adherence to the Peace is a likely candidate for the explanation of the PAX design. Bisson (54) recognizes however, that "This point, having long been in controversy, must be treated with care." He notes that the case is strongest for the 'morlans' of Bearn. Citing Pierfitte, he also notes the PAX design was likely introduced by William IX in Toulouse. The specific meaning of the PAX is unclear. Bisson suggests it might refer to adherence of the Peace and confirmation of the coinage, be an abbreviation for Pax Vobiscum, or reflect some ecclesiastical co-minting/sponsoring of the coinage.

The symbolism of the PAX design is significant. From Bisson (56) "..the device PAX assumed the very place on the coins that had customarily been reserved for the symbols of authority, such as the names of kings." The Peace of God was becoming the source of authority and "in a sense the Peace filled the void created by royal (and comital) impotence in the South."

William VIII of Aquitaine (c. 1070) 'confirmed' his coinage from Poitiers, Niort and St. Jean d'Angely and committed to maintain the integrity of his coinage. This was intended to standardize Aquitaine's coinage, facilitating commerce and insuring that those with a claim to the profits of coinage (often religious houses) received their rights. As a result of William's confirmation, "the prince himself, not the moneyers, was taking solemn and explicit responsibility for the lawful operations of his mints" (Bisson 50). William IX would certainly have been familiar with his father's actions and his own use of the PAX design on Toulouse's coinage would reflect its symbolism as he sought to exert control in Languedoc. He "surely understood why the peace movement had persisted in the southern fringelands of Aquitaine. Such people of these districts as took notice can have little difficulty in thinking of their coinage as circulating in 'lands of peace' or 'lands where peace reigns.' " (Bisson 56)

William IX wasted no time in asserting his control to Toulouse based on his marraige to Philippa. At the end of 1097 or in Spring 1098 he marched into Toulousain territory. He came to the walls of Toulouse, and entered the city through the faubourg St. Sernin (coup sans ferir). (This same district was to play an important role in the siege of Toulouse by Simon de Montfort more than 100 years later. See the Albigensian Crusade page.) This early 13th C maps gives you an idea of the city's geography. St. Sernin is the left walled section of the city.

The basilica of St. Sernin 'subir de grands dommages' in the attack. It was subsequently restored and today this is an attractive Romanesque church. William was asked to make reparations for the rebuilding of the basilica he badly damaged.

**

In addtion, in 1099 Philippa gave birth to a son, named William, who was to become duc d'Aquitaine and rule as William X.

William IX returned to France in 1104. He found himself having to deal with troublesome vassals and engaged in a series of wars to reassert his control. After Bertrand's death in 1112 he turned his attention again to his claim to Toulouse through his wife. William made the argument that since Bertrand was no longer count, the strictures about seizing the land of a crusader were no longer applicable. Bertrand's heir was his half brother Alphonse Jourdain. Alphonse was born in the Holy Lands and baptized in the River Jordan, hence the 'Jourdain.' He was only 10 when Bertrand died and had to rely on a series of guardians. They were unable to resist the invasion William mounted in 1113.

For the moment things went William's way. In 1114 the grand seigneurs of the county recognized the suzerainty of Philippa and William. The viscounts of Carcassonne, Razes, Beziers, Albi, Agde and Nimes all accepted the change of control. Philippa established a residence in Toulouse. (Richard 110-12)

Alphonse J. rallied and was successful by 1119 in recapturing part of his territory. By 1120 William experienced an erosion of control and a threat to Toulouse itself. He experienced a number of defections and even though he held the Narbonnais, the fortress on the walls of Toulouse, "le clerge toulousain tourna le dos au comte de Poitou." (Richard 130) On April 22, 1122, Alphonse Jourdain was recognized by pope Calixte, the viscount of Foix and other 'grand seigneurs' as the comte de Toulouse. William gathered allies, including Alphonse of Aragon, and attacked Alphonse Jourdain throughout his territories. These attacks were ultimately unsuccessful. The critical Narbonnais citadel was forced to surrender and Alphonse Jourdain held Toulouse. By this time Philippa had died and the strength of William's claim to Toulouse seriously weakened. (Richard 130-36)

A-J settled with William's Barcelona allies by agreeing to the partition of Provence, with those lands north of the Durrance staying with Toulouse and those south becoming Barcelona's territory. William's effort to recapture Toulouse was unsuccessful due to the limited resources he could command. In addition to Toulouse, he had conflict with the count of Angouleme, further dissipating his energy. He died February 10, 1126. William fathered two legitimate male heirs and five female heirs with Philippa. His oldest son William inherited his French lands and Raymond spent his life in the Holy Lands, as prince of Antioch, count of Tripoli and king of Jerusalem, Cyprus and Armenia. Toulouse reverted back to Pon's line.

My supposition is that William's coin most likely dates from the years after his successful conquest, since this was a period of peace and prosperity for Toulouse. The 'PAX' monogram is consistent with the prosperity Toulouse enjoyed after 1114 while he held up to 1220. The design of the coin is similar, actually the predecessor, for the later Raymond's of Toulouse coinage. The design is dissimilar to the earlier rulers who bracketed William IV of Toulouse (PdA's attribution). William controlled Toulouse at various times and Pierfitte's argument that this is his coin is a defensible hypothesis.

AR denier, 18mm, 1.06gr. Obv: RAMON COMES, central cross avec 'S' au 2e canton. Rev: TOLOSA CIVI, central monogram like the PAX monogram. Mint is Toulouse. R4226, Boudeau 721, Bel 888-96. Top coin: 19mm, 1.14gr.

For a larger image click here

AR obole, .48gr., 15mm. Obv: RAMON COMES, central cross with 'S' in the second quadrant. Rev: +TOLOSA CIVI, central monogram. Mint is Toulouse. R4227v; Dup 129; Boud 772; PdA 3703.

Toulouse's coinage of this age was well respected within its territory and surrounding regions. It maintained its value relative to Spanish and other regional coinages. It remained well minted in spite of the turbulence experienced during the reigns of Raymonds VI and VII, as their territory was ravaged by the Church instigated crusade against the Cathars. Raymond V and Raymond VI both confirmed their coinage. Raymond VI did this in 1205 and promised "not to alter or diminish the alloy or weight of the coinage that had been established at the time of his father's mutation." (Bisson 105) This pledge was expected to last for the duration of Raymond's life. This confirmation came not as the result of ecclesiastical pressure but rather from the consuls of Toulouse who had able to increasingly assert their control in local governance matters. As such, Bisson argues it represents an important shift in the primary agents seeking to maintain a coinage's integrity.

The continuation of the PAX design on this coinage, especially during the reigns of Raymond VI and Raymond VII is ironic. The argument above under William IX is that the PAX design represented one aspect of the Peace of God, and was a reflection of ecclesiastical influence. The Peace of God was torn asunder by the papal inspired crusade that wreaked havoc in Languedoc.

The properties of Toulouse were scattered and presented a constant challenge to their rulers who wanted to consolidate and expand their territory. During these years Toulouse was pressured by the house of Barcelona over common interests in Provence. When Henry II of England assumed control of Aquitaine, as a result of his own strength and an alliance with Barcelona, he pressured Raymond V such that Raymond was forced to recognize Angevin overlordship in 1173. Raymond sought relative independence by turning to France and married Constance, the sister of  Louis VII. While the marriage floundered, the alliance did not and Raymond substituted French meddling for English in his kingdom. He subsequently married Richilda of Provence and they had four children. He had tangled alliances with the Papacy, also leading to long term complications for his house. Raymond sought an alliance and was ceded the county of Melgueil in 1171, which gave him some control over its currency, the most widely circulated in Toulouse. The coinage of Raymond V circulated broadly, including into the Levant during the Crusades. (Dunbabin  299-304)

His heir was his son Raymond VI, who died in 1222. Raymond VI and VII spent their lives fighting to hang on to the county during the Albigensian crusade. They were generally sympathetic to the Cathar heretics who flourished in Languedoc and as a result found themselves targets of a crusade. The Albigensian link offers a good over view of the crusade. They ultimately failed in their efforts to preserve an independent county.

After the Treat of Paris (1229) Raymond VII was to fund the Convent of the Jacobins in Toulouse as the home for the Dominican Inquisition, the movement to root out heresy in Languedoc. The Inquisition was ultimately successful and Catharism died in Languedoc.

**

Alphonse of France (1249-1271)

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AR denier, 19mm, 1.22gr. Obv: +ALFVNSVS COMS, central cross. Rev: PICTAVIENTSIS, central chattel tournois. Mint is Poitou. R5201; Boud 431 as argent; PdA 2583 as billon; Dy 931.

The "of France" in his title means he was of royal descent. His father was Louis VIII and mother was Blanche of Castile. His paternal grandparents were Philip II Augustus and Isabelle of Hainault. His maternal grandparents were Alphonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of Anjou. His brother ruled as Louis IX (St. Louis). He was born in Paris 11/11/1220 and was titled comte of Poitiers (an apanage from his brother), comte of  Toulouse and marguisate of Provence (inherited from his father in law) and duc d'Auvergne.

As a result of the Treaty of Paris 1229, Raymond VII was forced to marry his daughter to a son of Louis IX. Therefore, Alphonse married Jeanne of Toulouse in 1249. Raymond kept Toulouse as a result of this treaty but Jeanne was to be his sole heir and the expectation was that the lands would ultimately go to the crown. Both Alphonse and Jeanne died within days of each other in 1271 (he on 21 August) at Corneto Castle near Sienna, Italy. There was no heir his lands and titled reverted to the French crown, in the person of Philip III. The coin is placed here as well as Aquitaine (mint) given his importance in Toulouse's history

 Billon obole, 15mm, .48gr. Obv: +ARECHIEPI, central shepherd's crook. Rev: oARELATENo, cross with long leg. Mint is Arles. R4677; Boud 794; PdA 4087.

Sources:

Bisson, T., Conservation of Coinage: Monetary Exploitation and its Restraint in France, Catalonia and Aragon (c. A.D. 1000 - c. 1225), Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1979.

Dunbabin, Jean, France in the Making: 843 - 1180, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, UK, 2000

Richard, A., Histoire des Comtes de Poitou, Tome IV  1086-1137, Princi Negue, France, 2004

Settipani, S., La Noblesse de Midi Carolingien, Prosopographica et Genealogica, Oxford UK, 2004 (x)