Louis (coin)
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The Louis is any number of French coins first introduced by Louis XIII in 1640. The name derives from the depiction of the portrait of King Louis on one side of the coin; the French royal coat of arms is on the reverse. The coin was replaced by the French franc at the time of the revolution, although a limited number were also minted during the "Bourbon Restoration" under Louis XVIII. The actual value of the coins fluctuated according to monetary and fiscal policy (see livre tournois), but in 1726 the value was stabilized.
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[edit] Louis XIII
The Louis d'or (a gold coin) replaced the franc which had been in circulation since Jean II of France. There also existed a half-Louis coin (the demi-louis d'or), a two-Louis coin (the double louis d'or).
Smaller values were available through a number of silver coins -- the écu (sometimes called the louis d'argent), also available in ½, ¼ and ⅛ écu denominations (60, 30 and 15 sols) -- and copper coins (sols and deniers).
The Louis d'or under Louis XIII had a dimension of +/- 25 mm, and a weight of 6.75 g. Recto: the king's head turned to the right with the motto "LVD XIII DG - FR ET NAV REX" ("Louis XIII, king of France and of Navarre by the grace of God"). Verso: the royal monogram (4 double "L"s surmounted by a crown with fleur de lis and the motto "CHRS REGN VINC IMP" ("Christ reigns, defeats and commands"). Engraver: Jean Warin (1604- 1672)
[edit] Louis XIV
The Louis d'or under Louis XIV had a dimension of +/- 25 mm, and a weight of 6.75 g. Recto: the king's head turned to the right with the motto "LVD XIV DG - FR ET NAV REX" ("Louis XIV, king of France and of Navarre by the grace of God"). Verso: the royal monogram (4 double "L"s surmounted by a crown with fleur de lis and the motto "CHRS REGN VINC IMP" ("Christ reigns, defeats and commands"). Engraver: Jean Warin (1604- 1672)
[edit] Louis XV
The Louis d'or under Louis XV had a dimension of +/- 24 mm, and a weight of 8.16 g. Recto: the king's head turned to the right with the motto "LVD XV DG - FR ET NAV REX" ("Louis XV, king of France and of Navarre by the grace of God"). Verso: the royal monogram (4 double "L"s surmounted by a crown with fleur de lis and the motto "CHRS REGN VINC IMP" ("Christ reigns, defeats and commands"). Engraver: Norbert Roettiers (1703-1748)
[edit] Louis XVIII
The Louis d'or under Louis XVIII of France was a 20 franc coin. Only a limited number were issued and they are now kept by collectors worldwide for their significant value and rarity.
