$4,176.00 USD
In the golden glow of a 1702 Louis d’Or Flan Réformé, you can glimpse the grandeur and transformation of France under the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King. This exceptional coin, graded PCGS AU58, encapsulates an era when France stood as a cultural and military powerhouse, its wealth and artistry radiating throughout Europe.
The obverse of this remarkable piece features the commanding profile of Louis XIV, his likeness crafted with precision to symbolize the might and majesty of his rule. His distinctive Roman nose and flowing, regal hair project an aura of divine authority, encapsulated by the inscription “LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS”—Louis the Great, Most Christian King. The artistry is stunning, with only the slightest traces of wear at the highest points, a testament to the coin’s careful preservation and light circulation. This portrait speaks of an age when monarchs wielded near-absolute power, and their visage on a coin was a declaration of their enduring legacy.
Flipping the coin reveals a reverse design steeped in elegance and symbolism. At its center lies a radiant cross adorned with fleurs-de-lis at each end, a quintessential emblem of French royalty. Between the arms of the cross are crowns, reinforcing the sovereign power of the monarchy. Around this design, the legend “CHRS REGN VINC IMPER 1702” (Christ reigns, conquers, and commands) proclaims divine legitimacy, reflecting Louis XIV’s belief in his God-given right to rule. The detailing on this side of the coin is immaculate, with the high relief still sharp and the fields retaining a soft golden luster.
The designation Flan Réformé indicates that this coin was struck on a previously minted flan, a practice common in an era of economic reform. Under Louis XIV, such measures were part of a broader strategy to strengthen France’s monetary system amidst the costly wars and ambitious building projects that defined his reign. Each Louis d’Or tells the story of this balance between grandeur and pragmatism, as the king sought to sustain his vision of France as the dominant power in Europe.
Graded PCGS AU58, this Louis d’Or Flan Réformé is a near-mint masterpiece. The coin’s surfaces exhibit a beautiful blend of preservation and historical character, with only the faintest signs of wear visible under close inspection. The golden sheen remains vibrant, a striking reminder of the coin’s origins in the royal mints of France over three centuries ago.
Owning this coin is akin to holding a piece of the Sun King’s legacy—a tangible connection to an age of opulence, ambition, and transformation. The 1702 France Gold Louis d’Or Flan Réformé is not merely a numismatic artifact; it is a golden window into the magnificence of Louis XIV’s France, where artistry and power converged in every facet of life.
