The Stack’s Bowers Galleries January New York International sale is now
online and can be viewed here. Our coin and paper money offerings are monumental and
today’s preview item is certainly remarkable. Lot 20207 is a very rare French “Double Louis
d’Or Aux Insignes” from the early days of the reign of Louis XV. He ascended
the throne of France at the age of five after the death of his grandfather,
Louis XIV. While Louis XV was in his minority, Philippe II, Duke of Orleans
ruled the kingdom as Regent. As one of the earliest coins struck for the child
king, this piece was struck over a “Double Louis d’Or au Soleil” of Louis XIV.
The outline of the elder Louis is easily discernible in the field just before
the young king’s portrait. Unfortunately, the date and mintmark of the
under-type are not determinable. The new striking was completed at the city of
Reims. An important city to the monarchy, Reims was the location of the
anointing ceremony during the coronation of French kings.
The obverse design features the right facing youthful bust of Louis XV.
The legend translates to: “Louis XV, by the Grace of God, France and Navarre,
King” followed by the date and an inverted acorn (Mint Director Jacques
Lagoille’s privy mark). The reverse showcases the crowned arms of the king over
crossed insignia. The mintmark for Reims (S) appears below. The reverse
inscription translates to: “Christ reigns, conquers and commands,” followed by
a triple bordered diamond (Engraver Pierre Delahaye’s mark). This rare one-year
type presents an important opportunity to elevate the prestige of the next
collection it enters.
While we are no longer taking consignments for our January 2018 New York
International Auction, we are taking consignments of world and ancient coins as
well as world paper money for the upcoming May 2018 Collector’s Choice Online
Auction and the August 2018 ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction in Philadelphia.
We are also accepting consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and
currency for our April 2018 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. If you are interested
in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a
single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
