France: Louis XIIII Ecu 1709A,...

Description

Louis XIIII Ecu 1709A, D-1322A, G-228, 27.31g, MS62 NGC. Paris mint. Ecu aux 8L 2nd type hybride. Struck only at Paris and Bayonne, with the largest mintage from Bayonne. Sobin records only two specimens, one from Paris VA the other Bayonne HA. There are five known specimens, three of which are in museums. All were struck flan neuf. A new portrait type, Aged Bust in Armor, which eventually was utilized on the Louis XIV-Three Crown reverse, was initially mated as the bust with the Eight L's reverse. The combination was aborted by the May 1709 currency reform. It is likely most of the issue never left the mint, but were melted and recoined into the new Three Crown reverse Ecus. This issue represents the last of the old 27.44 gram Ecu. This type is considered the rarest regular issue Ecu type of the Ancient Regime. The second rarest regular issue Ancient Regime Ecu type is usually considered the Louis XV-Ecu aux 3 Courounnes. Original, multi-colored toning with underlying luster. Ex:Lomoges Collection. (Listed as KM360.1 on the holder, but this is KM384.1).
From the Grundy Collection.

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