Lothringen, Leopold I, Teston 1712

France/Lorraine, Leopold I (1697-1729), Teston 1712

Obv.: Bust of Leopold I

Rs.: Cross

Mint: Nancy

Not only was his lineage royal, but Leopold I also entered history as the cousin of two emperors and a matchmaker. Buy an original Teston of 1712!

During his lifetime, Leopold I aligned himself with France and even married a niece of the French king. However, personally, politically, and religiously, he stood apart from his cousins Joseph I and Charles VI, both of whom would later wear the imperial crown. The Duke also desired advantageous marriages for his children. Therefore, he sent his son Franz Stephan for education at the Austrian court, increasing the likelihood of a marriage with one of Charles VI's daughters. The plan succeeded: in 1736, Franz Stephan married the heiress Maria Theresa of Charles VI, thereby establishing the Habsburg-Lorraine dynasty.