$4,325.00 USD
The 1655 Souverain d'Or was struck during the mid-17th century in the Spanish Netherlands, a region then under King Philip IV of Spain (1621-1665).
The obverse features a crowned lion standing left, brandishing a sword in one paw and resting the other on a globus cruciger (orb) Around the lion runs the Latin legend "PHIL IIII D G HISP ET INDIAR REX" (Philip IV, by the grace of God, King of the Spains and the Indies)
The reverse shows the ornate crowned shield of Spanish arms, encircled by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Legend reads "ARCHID AVST DVX BVRG CO FLAN Z." (Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Count of Flanders, etc.)
As a product of Louis XIV's early reign (he was a young king in 1655, ruling under Cardinal Mazarin's guidance), this coin represents the intersection of French and Spanish numismatic history – a tangible artifact of Louis XIV's first expansionist moves into Flanders and a historically significant gold coin linking two great dynasties.
This means the NGC AU58 coin is likely tied for second-finest known, and at PCGS there are few if any examples at this level. The vast majority of surviving 17th-century Souverains d'Or are well-worn. Many were holed or mounted in jewelry, and problem-free EF examples are already scarce. An AU58 with original surfaces and no issues is a great rarity.
