Duke of Fronsac

Dukedom of Fronsac
Medallion d. = 54 mm. Later strike. Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal-Duke of Richelieu and of Fronsac, 1585 Paris – 1642 Paris. Portrait r., curved above: "· ARMANVS IOAN · CARD · DE RICHELIEV ·"/ 7 stars above globe, curved above: "· MENS SIDERA VOLVIT ·", date in exergue. Edge lettering: "BRONZE". Forrer VI, p. 369. Medallist: I. (Jean) Warin, 1604 Liège - 1672 Paris. Condition: Nice EXTREMELY FINE+, little tarnish.
Creation date	1634 (second creation)
First holder	Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu
Last holder	Armand Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis
Extinction date	1822

Duke of Fronsac (French: duc de Fronsac) was a title of French nobility, first created by promoting the seigneurie of Fronsac to a duchy in 1608, but the title became extinct a few decades later. This title was revived for Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, better known as Cardinal Richelieu, in 1634, surviving until the 19th century.

The title of duc de Fronsac was first created in 1608 for the House of Longueville, a bastard-cadet branch of the House of Valois. The mother of the first duke, Anne de Caumont (1574–1642), held the lesser title of marquis de Fronsac when her son Léonor II d'Orléans was created a duke. The title became extinct after the first duke died without an heir and the title passed to his father, who had no other issue.

In 1634, the title of duc de Fronsac was revived for Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, who already held the title of Duke of Richelieu. The title of Duke of Fronsac was often used by subsequent Dukes of Richelieu as a titre d'attente, or courtesy title, for the heir to the Dukedom of Richelieu.