Louis XIV (1643-1715). Gold Louis d'or a l'ecu, 1691-N (Montpellier). Older lauereate bust of king with long hair right. Rev. Crowned arms of France (Fr 429; Gadoury 250; KM-278.11). In NGC holder graded MS 64, a choice fully lustrous mint state example. Value $3,000 - UP
Between 1690 and 1693 a variety of the louis d'or with its double and half was struck replacing the more usual reverse type featuring designs composed of the royal monogram with a crowned shield emblazoned with the fleur-de-lis arms of France. This variety was popularly known as the louis d'or à l'écu ("gold Louis with the shield") for fairly obvious reasons. The rather more national than personal tone of this reverse type came at a time when the generals of Louis XIV had been winning a string of battles against the combined forces of the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, the Dutch Republic, England, and Savoy in the War of the League of Augsburg (1688-1697).
Ex Terner Collection by Private Treaty.