1709 Gold Louis D'Or NGC AU55

The 1709 Gold Louis d'Or of Louis XIV, Amiens Mint, graded NGC AU55, is a superb and exceptionally rare French royal gold issue struck during the latter years of the reign of Louis XIV, the "Sun King." This example, bearing the mintmark of Amiens, is part of a small subset of provincial mint issues, significantly scarcer than Paris mint strikes, particularly in high grade. The Louis d'Or of this era served both as a circulating gold coin and a potent symbol of Bourbon dynastic authority.

Obverse: Displays the right-facing laureate bust of King Louis XIV, draped and wearing classical armor. The legend reads:
LVD · XIIII · D · G · FR ET NAV REX — Louis XIV, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.

Reverse: Features the crowned back-to-back "L" monogram at center, encircled by four crowned fleur-de-lis in cruciform orientation, with a flower ornament in the center. The Latin legend reads:
CHRS · REGN · VINC · IMP — Christ reigns, conquers, commands, a deeply religious motto associated with Bourbon absolutism.

Struck in .917 fine gold and weighing approximately 6.75 grams, this coin comes from the Amiens Mint, identified by the "T" mintmark, which issued limited numbers compared to the major mints. The NGC AU55 grade indicates a lightly circulated coin with full design detail, sharp legends, and only minor surface friction. This piece is described as the Finest Known certified example from this mint and date — placing it among the most desirable Louis d'Ors of the War of Spanish Succession period.