How much did Joan of Arc's armor cost?
Joan of Arc's custom suit of armor cost as much as a small house.
To transform the young peasant into a military icon, the French court commissioned a custom suit of plate armor from master craftsmen. This specialized gear cost approximately 100 livres, a sum that could have purchased a home or fed a family for two years. This massive investment was a strategic move to establish her authority and inspire the French army.
Nerd Mode
In April 1429, Charles VII of France commissioned a suit of armor for Joan of Arc as she prepared to lead the relief of Orléans. The armor was crafted in Tours by a master armorer and was designed to accommodate her smaller frame, which was roughly 157 centimeters tall. Historical records from the accounts of the Master of the King's Artillery indicate the cost was 100 livres tournois, a significant fortune for the 15th century.Beyond the armor, the King provided Joan with a specialized household and military equipment. Her warhorses were valued at 200 livres each, and her total military outfitting reached nearly 500 livres. This expenditure was equivalent to the annual income of a minor nobleman or the price of a modest urban residence. The high cost reflected the need for high-quality steel that could withstand arrows and crossbow bolts during the Hundred Years' War.The armor served as a powerful psychological tool during the Siege of Orléans. By dressing Joan in white polished steel, the French court created a visual symbol of purity and divine mandate. This branding was essential to convince skeptical soldiers and citizens that a teenage girl was truly sent by God. The investment paid off when her presence on the battlefield helped end the siege in just four days, changing the course of French history.
Verified Fact
FP-0009685 · Feb 22, 2026