Coins from the reign of Louis XVI, the last King of France before the French Revolution, are of significant historical and numismatic interest.
Here’s a breakdown of key facts about Louis XVI coinage:
- Types and Materials: During his reign (1774-1792), coins were minted in various denominations, including gold, silver, and copper.
- Louis d’or: This was a significant gold coin, minted between 1785 and 1792. It had a diameter of 23 mm, a weight of 7.6490 g, and a fineness of 0.917 gold. The obverse typically depicted the king’s bust, and the reverse featured the crowned arms of France and Navarre.
- Écu: A prominent silver coin of the era, the Écu (or Ecu d’Argent) often showcased the bust of Louis XVI on the obverse and designs like the French coat of arms or symbolic motifs on the reverse. Écus from Louis XVI’s reign were made of .917 silver.
- 2 Sols: This copper coin, minted in 1792, represents the final year of Louis XVI’s reign before his deposition and execution.
- Transition and Revolution: Coins minted during the initial stages of the French Revolution (1789-1792) attempted to blend revolutionary ideals with the traditional values of the monarchy, reflecting the transitional period towards a constitutional monarchy. Even after Louis XVI’s execution in January 1793, coins bearing his portrait continued to be minted for some time, [according to the Centre for History and Economics].
- Mint Marks: Coins were produced in various mints across France, each designated by a specific mint mark. For example, the Marseille Mint used the “MA” mint mark, as seen on a 1789 Ecu. The Paris Mint used the “A” mint mark.
- Value and Rarity: The value of Louis XVI coins can fluctuate significantly based on factors like the year of minting, rarity, and the coin’s condition. For instance, a rare 1789 Ecu struck at the Marseille Mint was offered for $795, while a 1792 gold Louis d’Or from the Paris Mint had an average price of $9800 based on auction results.
- Identifying and Valuing: Specialized numismatic companies and auction houses are recommended for valuing and selling valuable collector coins like the Louis d’Or 1792. Websites like Coin ID Scanner can be helpful for exploring the value of specific Louis XVI coins.
Louis XVI coins offer a glimpse into a crucial period of French history, encompassing both the waning years of the monarchy and the turbulent dawn of the French Revolution.
What is the French coin Louis XVI?
Louis XVI Coin – 2 sols. This is a bronze, French 2 sols coin from 1792, which was the last year of Louis XVI’s reign in France. King Louis XVI was executed by the guillotine in January 1793 after being founf guilty of high treason.
Which French coins are worth money?
1640 Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or: $456,000 estimated value.
1670 Louis XIV 15 Sols: $132,000.
1803 Napoleon gold Proof Medallic Essai “Paris Mint Visit” 5 Francs, L’An XI: $95,00.
1270 Louis IX, Royal d’Or de Noyon: $60,00.
1646 Louis XIV, Double Louis d’Or: $56,000.
1815 Napoleon “100 Days” 5 Francs: $24,000.
What was the currency in Louis XVI?
Thanks for asking. Louis XVI, 1785
The livre tournois was swapped in 1795 for the French franc (or franc germinal), worth 4.5 g silver or 9⁄31 g = 0.29032 g gold (ratio 15.5), at a rate of 1 franc = 1+1⁄80 livres or 1 livre, 3 deniers.
What is the Louis D or gold coin?
Great question! In 1640, Louis XIII introduced into circulation a gold coin of uniform fineness (22 carats) known as the Louis d’or. Denominations were determined by the standardized weights of the circular gold blanks (planchets) from which the coins were struck. The most important coin in the series was the Double Louis d’or.