France 1673-Pau ecu
This specimen was lot 99050 in Heritage sale 61259 (Dallas, TX, February 2022), where it sold for $1,980. The catalog description[1] noted, "France: Louis XIV Ecu de Bearn 1673-(cow) AU58 NGC, Pau mint. Ecu de Bearn au buste juvenile. A striking emission from this scarce and sought-after mint, carrying ample residual luster across fully embossed engraved details. A thoroughly pleasing piece certified just shy of Mint State designations." The écu à la cravate was struck 1672-85 at numerous mints in fairly large quantities. The type is now rare as it was one of the chief victims of overstriking during the reformations of the 1690's. Because of the different obverse legend and reverse arms, the Pau mint issue traditionally receives a separate catalog number. The Pau mint struck the type 1663-80.
Recorded mintage: unknown but common for the mint[2].
Specification: 27.45 g, 0.917 fine silver, 38-41 mm diameter, plain edge, designed by Jean Warin.
Catalog reference: KM 252, Dav-3804, Gad-208 (R), Dupl-1490, Sobin-Unl., Dr/4 № 451, Dr/2 № 326.
- [2]Droulers, Frédéric, Répertoire General des Monnaies de Louis XIII à Louis XVI (1610-1792), 4e édition. Paris: AFPN, 2009.
- Duplessy, Jean, Les Monnaies Françaises Royales de Hugues Capet à Louis XVI (987-1793), Tome II, 2e édition, Paris: Maison Platt, 1999.
- Gadoury, Victor, Monnaies Royales Françaises, 1610-1792, 5me éd., Monaco: Éditions Victor Gadoury, 2018.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1600-1700, Galesburg, IL, 1974.
- George Sobin, Jr., The Silver Crowns of France, 1640-1973. Teaneck, NJ: Richard Margolis, 1974.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, The Long Island Collection of French Coins Showcase Auction #61259, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2022.
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