Description

Geneva, Very rare token struck in 1547 by Louis de Rye, bishop of Geneva in exile. Only several specimens are known to exist. 28.5 mm in diameter, 6.23 grams Louis de Rye followed his uncle, Pierre de La Baume, who ascended to the throne of Geneva. His uncle appointed him as coadjutor. Louis was given command of the Abbey of Auberive in 1519 and also held the position of prior of Saint-Pierre de Gigny. In an Indult dated August 28, 1535, Pope Paul III permitted him to retain all his benefices simultaneously, a privilege he exercised upon becoming a bishop. Pope Paul III appointed him to the episcopal throne of Geneva in July 1543. The seat was then moved from Geneva, which had embraced the Reformation, to Annecy. During this period, the Diocese of Geneva and the Duchy of Savoy were occupied by King Henry II of France. He only took possession of his throne on October 30, 1546, through his procurator, Louis Ducret. He was named commendatory abbot of Saint-Claude Abbey on September 6, 1544, four months after his uncle's death. The following year, he assumed leadership of Notre-Dame d'Acey Abbey and chose his brother Philibert as coadjutor. Guillaume Furbit, the parish priest, Sorbonne Doctor, and bishop in partibus of Alessio (Lezhë), administered the diocese on his behalf as auxiliary bishop. Louis de Rye died on August 25, 1550. Inv: 59985P24149