One of the supposed origins of the rue du Petit-Salut in Rouen would come from the gold currency in use during the English occupation in the 15th century. The history of numismatics in Normandy gave a very important place from the Middle Ages to Rouennais coinage workshops. In 1304, Philippe Le Bel opened a royal workshop in the old ducal city. Its activity is as intense as that of Paris. Under Jean le Bon, the Rouen workshop could supply tens of thousands of gold coins in a few months.
To mint money is then a primordial act for a sovereign politically and economically. During the English conquest, Henri V, then Henri VI resume the policy of currency control started under the Valois. Many bourgeois from Rouen, concerned about security, joined the English camp. Étienne Marcel, director of the Rouen currency between 1433 and 1444, placed his workshop under the authority of the Lancasters. The British maintain a strong currency bringing peace as well as monetary stability. Among the coins minted in Rouen, the gold salute. “ Henry at the bailiff of Rouen […] we ordered to be made in noz monnoyes several sums of gold money called salus which will run for 25 sub tournaments per piece [acte de tabellionnage, 30 novembre 1421]. “It is a piece with neat and controlled quality.
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Leopards and lilies rub shoulders
The Salvation of Gold, which the founder Collin Pinel housed opposite the cathedral is said to be at the origin, is an Anglo-Norman royal currency. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic coins and recounts the exceptional work of master engravers. Each piece being a small illumination.
Its obverse, major side, with elaborate spelling, has major political significance. The name of salvation comes from the scene represented there: the Annunciation. You can read Henricus Dei gra Fracoruz Aglie Rex: Henry by the grace of God, king of the Franks and the English. Archangel Gabriel, the Virgin are placed before the arms of France and France-England. Leopards and lilies rub shoulders, while a parchment is illuminated with rays. On the reverse, XPC (that is to say, Christ) vincit, XPC regnat, XPC Imperat surround a Latin cross, a leopard and a lily, all in a flowered decalobe. The message is clear and adapted to the advantage of the kings of England who affirm that they are by divine will heirs of the kingdom of France. Underlying is recalled the Treaty of Troyes of May 21, 1420 where Charles VI had designated Henry V as his heir …
The golden salute therefore becomes a propaganda medium. The drawing educates the population. In the Middle Ages what is written has a force of truth. And everything that has a divine origin is justified and legitimized. In the Golden Salvation, the princes of Lancaster therefore affirm that the conquest of the kingdom of France is a divine will and they affirm that they are only obeying this order. A strategic act, a skilful use of the golden salute created by Charles VI but recomposed in favor of the occupier. A capital means to motivate the population and the soldiers.
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