I normally don't collect French coins, but this lovely 1783 Ecu is an exception to the rule. When it was minted in 1783 the French crown was essentially bankrupt. Feel free to post any coins!
Very nice Louis XVI (1754 - 1793 A.D.) AR Écu aux branches d'olivier O: LUD•XVI•D•G•FR• - ET• NA•RE•BD(entrelacées); Ornamental stitching on uniform. R: • SIT NOMEN DOMINI - BENEDICTUM 1783 A, Crowned arms of France within branches. Paris Mint 42mm 29.48g Dy# 1708, KM 564.1
Beautiful coin, I've always been partial to the fleur de lis! Any idea why there's that tiny duck on the front?
The mint mark is on the reverse, 'A' for the Paris mint. The heron on the obverse is the local mintmaster's privy mark. The lyre to the left of the date is the local engraver's privy mark. There is a reference at the beginning of the France section of the Standard Catalog of World Coins 1701-1800.
Actually its the mark of mint master. Here are some Louis XVI from my collection. AV Double Louis d'or 1786-N Montpelier Mint
Lovely coin,@ Magnus Maximus. Love the patina which gives the coin a very pleasing look. I do collect a few French, here are some for Louis, and for the Convention which followed after he was executed. This Louis d'or dated 1790 from Montpellier is very rare. I have only been able to trace 2 examples sold in the last 20 years. Ecu de Six Livres de la Convention - Atelier D (Lyon). Ecu de Six Libres de La Convention - Atelier W (Lille).