Struck in 1652 at the Bordeaux Mint, this 1 Louis d’Or, graded NGC AU55, was issued under Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, at the dawn of his reign. The Louis d’Or was France’s cornerstone gold denomination and became a symbol of royal modernization under Bourbon monetary reform, particularly influential in continental and colonial trade.
Obverse: Features a youthful bust of Louis XIV facing right, crowned with laurel and draped in classical attire. The Latin legend LVD XIIII D G FR ET NAV REX affirms his divine right as King of France and Navarre. The portrait is attractively rendered, reflecting early baroque artistry before the later sun-emperor iconography.
Reverse: Displays a bold cross formed by four crowned monograms "L", with fleurs-de-lis filling the quadrants. A central oval medallion bears a small cross, and the mintmark "B" (Bordeaux) sits clearly beneath. The reverse legend reads CHRS REGN VINC IMPER, invoking divine guidance in war and rule—“Christ reigns, conquers, and commands.”
Graded AU55, this example retains strong strike definition with minimal wear on the high points. Traces of original mint luster remain in protected fields, with attractive color and subtle toning. As a high-grade early Louis XIV piece, it offers both artistic appeal and historical depth—ideal for collectors focused on Bourbon France, 17th-century gold, or pre-reform European issues.
