Louis XIV

Gold – Louis d’or aux 4 L – 1693 AA Metz – Hoard – Treasure of Valenciennes – unique recorded coin

4 500

VF+

Louis XIV

VF+

Gold – Louis d’or aux 4 L – 1693 AA Metz – Hoard – Treasure of Valenciennes – unique recorded coin

4 500

Description:

Coin showing consistent wear. A fine example.

Overstruck coin.

Extremely rare specimen, seemingly unique to date, with no recorded examples found in archives.

Unlisted coin in standard reference works such as Clairand and Gadoury.

Period
Royal
Type
Gold Louis d'or aux 4L
Year
1693
Mint name
Metz
Diameter
25 mm
Weight
6,63 g
Metal
Gold
Rarity
Extremely rare
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  • Pedigree :

    Gold Louis originating from the famous Hoard – Treasure of Valenciennes, discovered by construction worker Giuseppe Corrias on August 30, 1949, during rebuilding works.

    While digging, he uncovered a small barrel containing 2,800 gold coins (48 kg) and 6,000 silver coins (240 kg), one of the largest hoards of royal coinage ever found in France.

    According to numismatists, this deposit was likely buried after the 1709 Malplaquet campaign, at the height of the War of the Spanish Succession, and more specifically after the battle led by Marshal Villars. This context probably makes it an authentic war hoard.

    Some of these coins were later dispersed on the collectors’ market, helping preserve their memory and offering a few enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire a fragment of this remarkable discovery.

    Read the article