Kingdom of France, Francis I, 1515-1547, 1/2 Teston 1540-1547, Tours, extremely rare, rare variety

Kingdom of France. Francis I, 1515-1547. 1/2 Teston 1540-1547, Tours (5th type). Silver 4.5 g.; 25.5 mm.
Obverse: Bust of François I on the right, bearded and cuirassed, wearing a radiate and fleurdelisé crown. Obverse caption: + FRANCISCVS: D: GRAC: FRANCOR: REX //
Reverse: Crowned shield of France in a polylobe, mint letter at the base. Reverse caption: + NONOBIS: DNE: SED: NOI: TVOA: GLORIA

Gadoury: 262.

A superb copy of a 1/2 Teston of François I for the Tours mint, of the highest rarity! Still very well preserved with a beautiful and atypical portrait of the king, as well as a remarkable reverse! Several scratches. Attractive patina and superior eye appeal. Rare variety, extremely rare. Almost uncirculated AU 50-53