France: Louis XIV gold Essai "Two Effigies" Ecu ND (c. 1643) MS62 NGC,...

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Magnificent Gold Essai of Louis XIII and Louis XIV

Louis XIV gold Essai "Two Effigies" Ecu ND (c. 1643) MS62 NGC, Paris mint, Ciani-1945, Gad-Unl.. 39mm. 32.30gm. Plain edge. By Jean Warin. An extremely rare Essai type featuring the laureate effigies of both Louis XIII and Louis XIV. Produced in the style of the portrait engravings used by Warin on coinage of the former ruler beginning in 1640, and of the latter beginning in 1643, when following the death of his father, Louis XIV ascended to the throne at the age of four. Here the young Sun King is rendered in elegant detail opposite his father; while the slightly smaller portrait size serves to highlight the King's youth, the similarities in style and presentation seen upon both faces may be viewed as an indication that he is nonetheless deserving of the same degree of adoration and respect.

It may be inferred that this issue was designed to commemorate the transfer of power from Louis XIII to his son, and perhaps was issued shortly after the death of the former, or perhaps even shortly prior: the King, finding himself sickly and sensing that death was imminent, decided to put his affairs in order in the spring of 1643, decreeing that upon his passing a regency council would rule on his son's behalf. Examples of this type are also known in silver and bronze, but this is the only specimen in gold that we can trace, and it is rumored to be one of only two known.

From the Paramount Collection

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 39mm
AGW: 1.139oz

More information about French Coins. See also: France World Coin Nationality.

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