Louis XV gold Proof Pattern Ecu au bandeau 1740-A PR60 NGC, Paris mint, KM-Pn15, Dav-1331, Gad-322 (R5). 49.96gm. A renowned gold Pattern strike that introduced J. C. Roëttiers' new portrait of King Louis XV for his immediately recognizable Ecu au bandeau series. The king's approval of this new design in March 1740 heralded the longest running French series to be put into circulation use, as this very type was struck for 43 years by 29 different mints and kept in circulation until 1834. Very few of these gold Pattern strikes are known to us today, approximating about ten known examples extant, six of those seeing certification across NGC and PCGS. Surprisingly, we've had the pleasure of handling three of these specimens previously, one graded at AU Details, one at SP61, and most recently, a PR62 specimen from the Paramount Collection that brought $168,000 all in. The piece at hand, though not technically the finest certified, offers ample charm and personality for the prospective purchaser. Struck with pinpoint precision, the devices appear practically as-struck but for a hint of even rub across the bust. The fields, despite bearing gentle chatter and wisps, gleam with a pondlike purpose and pair with a vibrant tiger's eye orange tone at the peripheries, along with notes of baby blue and amber in the legends. Indeed, a splendid offering to behold and one that will act as a centerpiece in any advanced collection. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website