1786-A France Louis d'Or Louis XVI Gold Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion) · Yellow Gold. It exhibits the classic deep, rich warm tone characteristic of 18th-century French legal tender gold alloys.
Purity: 22K (.917 fineness). This means the coin is composed of 91.7% pure gold and approximately 8.3% copper or silver alloy to provide durability for circulation.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Bullion)
Purity
22K (.917 fineness). This means the coin is composed of 91.7% pure gold and approximately 8.3% copper or silver alloy to provide durability for circulation.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. It exhibits the classic deep, rich warm tone characteristic of 18th-century French legal tender gold alloys.
Weight
7.649 grams (approximately 0.2255 troy oz of pure gold). This is a standard weight for a later Louis XVI Louis d'Or.
Description
An exquisite 1786 gold Louis d'Or featuring the double shields of France and Navarre beneath a royal crown. Struck just three years before the start of the French Revolution, this gold coin represents the pinnacle of French monarchical coinage. The reverse displays the Latin legend used by French kings since the Middle Ages. Its high gold content and historical weight make it a favorite for both gold stackers and history collectors.
Key Features
Mint mark 'A' for Paris; the date 1786; the distinct double shield heraldry; clear lettering and high-relief crown characteristic of genuine Bourbon strikes.
Color & Finish
Deep golden yellow with a soft luster. The surface shows light circulation wear and minor micro-scratches consistent with its age, with a slight matte patina in the recessed areas of the design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin features a mint mark 'A' (signifying the Paris Mint). Legend reads: 'CHRS REGN VINC IMPER 1786' (Christ reigns, conquers, commands). It also contains the royal coat of arms under a crown.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of approximately 23-24mm. Standard thickness for a Louis d'Or is roughly 1.3mm to 1.5mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a solid gold numismatic item with no stones or decorative inlays.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (coin). It has a reeded or decorative denticulated edge typical of the period.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; however, the rim features a denticulated (toothed) pattern inside the border to prevent clipping or filing of the gold.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck by screw-press technology. The precision of the 'A' mint mark and the symmetry of the heraldic shields denote high-quality 18th-century industrial artistry from the leading mint of Europe.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth for the Paris Mint; authentic 'A' mint mark positioning; weight-to-diameter ratio appears consistent with 22K density; no 'casting bubbles' or seam lines visible.
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of France, struck at the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Authorized under King Louis XVI.
Era & Period
Late Bourbon Monarchy / Pre-French Revolution. Specifically the reign of Louis XVI (1774–1792). It reflects the neoclassical design movement of the late 18th century.
Age Estimate
Dated 1786. Approximately 238 years old.
Cultural Significance
This coin was the primary high-value currency of the Ancien Régime. It signifies the absolute power of the French monarchy shortly before its collapse and remains a symbol of the French economic influence in the 18th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine (VF) circulation grade. Detailed crown and shields are visible, though the high points of the fleurs-de-lis show smoothing. No signs of ex-jewelry mounting (no solder marks).
Value Estimate
Market value varies between $800 to $1,400 USD. Value is comprised of the melt value (approx. $550-$600 based on spot) plus a significant numismatic premium of $300-$700 depending on final grade.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Use a non-PVC coin flip or archival capsule to prevent environmental toning. Handle only by the edges using cotton gloves to avoid skin oils causing fingerprints on the gold.
Similar Items
Double Louis d'Or (twice the weight); Ecu d'Argent (silver equivalent); British Sovereign (comparable size from a later era); Spanish Doubloon.
Interesting Facts
Louis XVI coins were recalled and melted in massive quantities during the Revolution to be replaced by 'Genius' and later Napoleonic designs, making well-preserved gold examples increasingly rare.