$3,646.00 USD
The 1704 Louis d'Or struck at the Bayonne Mint represents one of the scarcer provincial issues under Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King.” These coins played a crucial role in Colbert’s monetary reforms, which standardized French coinage through the introduction of screw-press minting and stricter controls across regional mints.
Obverse: Displays Louis XIV’s laureate bust facing right, with the Latin legend: LVD XIIII D G – FR ET NAV REX (Louis XIV, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre).
Reverse: Features the crowned double-“L” monogram (aux insignes) of Louis XIV, arranged with four fleur-de-lis in the angles of crossed insignia, and the motto: CHRS REX VINC IMP (Christ reigns, conquers, commands). The edge is lettered: FRANC – D – P – G.
This coin bears the “L” mintmark of Bayonne, a mint that produced few Louis d’Ors in 1704 — just 3,817 new flans plus 5,644 restrikes (flans réformés) during the year. While an “aux 8 L” version was authorized for Bayonne, no such specimens are known to exist, making this standard aux insignes type the only collectible version from that year and mint.
Graded PCGS MS61, this piece exhibits full original mint luster with no wear, and moderate contact marks typical of Mint State 61. It carries the “L” mintmark of Bayonne, which produced only 3,817 new flans plus 5,644 restruck flans in 1704. While an “aux 8 L” version was authorized for Bayonne, no such specimens are known. This aux insignes type is the only version from Bayonne available to collectors. This MS61 is one of only two Mint State pieces certified (PCGS MS61 and PCGS MS62), placing it among the very rarest Mint State Louis d’Ors of the date.
