Franciscus Publique Deposited
A French billon coin which, as its name indicates, was the tenth part of the silver Franc and later of the Ecu.
In the reign of Louis XII (1498-1515) were issued the Dixain a couronne and the Dixain du Dauphine, both of a similar type to the Douzain (q.v.). Under Francis I (1515-1547) it received the name Franciscus, probably from the large letter F with the crown above, wich is a prominent feature.
In 1791 an essay was struck in bellmetal of a coin to equal one tenth of the Livre, and the prototype of the Decime (q.v.). It bears on one side the date in a wreath and on the reverse the word DIXAIN surrounded by the inscription METAL DE CLOCHE.
- Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)