Discover a magnificent piece of French numismatic history with this 1681-D Louis XIV AV Louis d'Or, meticulously graded MS63 by PCGS. Struck in gold at the historic Lyon mint, this coin represents the zenith of the Sun King's reign and offers a tangible connection to 17th-century European power and artistry. A superb example for any discerning collection.
Historical Significance
The reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715), known as the Sun King, was a period of absolute monarchy and cultural flourishing in France. His extensive reign saw France become a dominant power, and the Louis d'Or coinage played a central role in the nation's economy and prestige. Introduced in 1640, the Louis d'Or became a standard gold coin across Europe, renowned for its consistent quality and design. This 1681-D issue, minted in Lyon, captures the intricate detail and monarchical grandeur characteristic of the era, reflecting the prosperity and influence of Louis XIV's court.
Key Numismatic Details
- Denomination: Louis d'Or
- Metal: Gold (AV)
- Country: France
- Monarch: Louis XIV
- Year: 1681
- Mint Mark: 'D' for Lyon
- Service: PCGS Certified
- Grade: MS63 (Mint State 63)
- Certification ID: 52701187
- Description: The obverse features a detailed bust of Louis XIV facing right. The reverse displays a cruciform arrangement of crowned 'LL' monograms, with a prominent lis (fleur-de-lis) in each angle, symbolizing the French monarchy. References include KM 219.3 and Gadoury-247.
- Rarity: A high-grade example like this MS63 is uncommon for a coin of its age, signifying excellent preservation and appeal to collectors seeking premium specimens of historical gold coinage.
Preservation & Authentication
Preserving the integrity of this historic gold coin is paramount. Always handle the coin by its edges, preferably wearing cotton gloves, to prevent oils from your skin transferring to the surface. Store it in a stable environment within an archival-safe holder, such as its PCGS slab, away from extreme temperature fluctuations or humidity. For authentication, always rely on professional grading services like PCGS, which provides a unique certification ID for verification against their online database.
Seize the opportunity to acquire this extraordinary 1681-D Louis XIV AV Louis d'Or, PCGS MS63. A remarkable example of French royal coinage, it awaits a place in a distinguished collection. Add this piece of history to your numismatic holdings today before it's gone.
