 Louis XIV. Lis d'or, 1656 A. Angels support crowned royal shield with Biblical Latin legend DOMINE. ELIGISTI. LILIVM. TIBI., Lord, You have Elected to Thyself the Lily (i.e. the French fleur de lis). Rv. Cross fleuedelisée, King's titles as legend. Gad.233, Fr.420, KM 217.
Created by Edict of Dec. 23, 1655, this short-lived 7 Livres tournois coin was struck in .958 fine Gold, its elaborate design intended to foil counterfeiters of the existing Louis d'or. It was only struck in 1656 and 1657. Only two are known of the second date, and the few pieces actually struck in 1656 were demonetized in March 1679. The Lis d'or became one of the great rarities of all French Gold coinage, its obverse design providing the cover art for the late Victor Gadoury's Monnaies Royales Françaises. Rich gold covers the smooth surfaces and precisely detailed devices, making this a piece of the most exceptional visual quality. Brilliant Uncirculated and Choice. (Est. $7,500-$8,500)
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