File:France SB818-20396o.jpg

This specimen was lot 20396 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Philadelphia, August 2018), where it sold for $4,200. The catalog description^[1] noted, "FRANCE. Ecu, 1655-R M. Morlaas Mint. Louis XIV (1643-1715). PCGS AU-58 Secure Holder. Dav-3801; KM-181.3; Gad-204; Dr/5-393. As the mintage of the regular "ecu a la meche longue" ceased in 1654, the only Ecus available for 1655 to 1659 are the issues of the Pyrenean mints (Pau, St.-Palais and Morlaas). This example, from the Morlaas mint, is quite superior to most survivors of the type, with deep gray tone over the surfaces that yields faint purple hue in the centers and blue and yellow hue at the edges when viewed at an angle. Nicely struck as well, with full legends and nearly complete centers. No planchet adjustments are seen over either side, but a small void in the planchet appears on Louis XIV's right shoulder. A RARITY in this condition and incredibly desirable as the finest certified example of the date."