1693 Louis XIV Felicitas Domus Augustae Medal. Betts-75B. Gilt Copper. EF-40 (PCGS).
41.1 mm. 404.3 grains. Plain edge. From our 2020 sale of the Larry Ness Collection of Indian Peace medals, where it was described as: Mellow golden gilt surfaces are reasonably intact for a worn medal, although the gilding is worn through on the highest points of the portrait reliefs on both sides and to a lesser degree on the tops of the letters of the legends. No serious marks or problems, though there is a bit of surface debris caked in places. Rim cuds on the reverse from 5 o'clock to 8 o'clock. This was one of a series of medals struck to celebrate the prosperity of the Royal House. The first of this series, Betts-75 was officially presented to Native Americans, while some others are thought to have drifted into Native hands through unofficial channels. Part XVI of the illustrious Ford sales included two such medals in silver, though they were from different dies than seen here. As this has no manner of suspension, it was likely not presented to a Native American, yet it is a useful representation of those that were so used by King Louis XIV.
From the Joe Foster Collection. Earlier from our Americana Sale of January 2011, lot 6192; our sale of the Larry Ness Collection of Indian Peace medals, November 2020 Auction, lot 2001.

Estimate: $1000