FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Medieval, Islamic and Crusader Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: alexius on January 21, 2012, 03:25:17 am

Title: Medieval Coins of Bearn- meaning of legend
Post by: alexius on January 21, 2012, 03:25:17 am
Does anyone know if there has been any updates or further work done on the meaning of the reverse legend ONOR FORCAS on the coins of the Counts of Bearn?

Thanks

Steve
Title: Re: Medieval Coins of Bearn- meaning of legend
Post by: WelfIV on January 28, 2012, 12:57:03 pm
Hi Steve,

I don't know much about French coins, but the FORVM shop says:
Quote
Onor Forcas means Lord of Forcas, referring to the castle of Hourquie (of which no trace remains).

Peter
Title: Re: Medieval Coins of Bearn- meaning of legend
Post by: alexius on January 28, 2012, 04:08:35 pm
Thanks Peter. I don't know much about French coins either. I saw this reference and a couple of others to the word FORCAS referring to castles or to gallows. This struck me as unlikely, firstly because of the incongruity with the reference to PAX on one side of the coin and secondly because this legend continues to be used into the 1400s which seemed a long time both for an immobilised type and for a castle now disappeared.  My hunch (only supported by google searches- hence my question) is that FORCAS refers to the Fors of Bearn  a collection of legal rulings compiled over 11-13th centuries which apparently the lords of Bearn swore to uphold.  Just an idea though.

Regards

Steve