The reign of Louis XV produced some of the most elegant silver coinage of the French monarchy, and this 1718 Ecu from the Paris Mint stands as a fine representative of that tradition. Struck in the early years of Louis XV's reign, when the young king was barely eight years old and France was governed by a regent, the coin carries the Latin legend identifying him as King of France and Navarre. The Ecu was the principal large silver denomination of the French royal monetary system, widely used in commerce and admired for its bold portraiture.

The obverse presents a youthful right-facing portrait of Louis XV, laureate and draped in armor, with the legend LUD·XV·D·G·FR· ET·NAV·REX surrounding the bust. The portrait captures the boy-king with delicate, well-cut features and good relief. The reverse displays a crowned quartered shield bearing the fleurs-de-lis of France and the chains of Navarre, surrounded by the legend SIT·NOMEN·DOMINI·BENEDICTVM and the date 1718, with the Paris mint mark A at the bottom. The engraving is crisp and the heraldic devices are boldly defined.

NGC has graded this coin AU-53, reflecting light high-point wear with substantial original mint luster still visible in the fields and devices. These are surprisingly rare coins for the money with well under 100 certified examples in all grades combined. The surfaces are even and free of significant problems, with an appealing silver-gray patina. This is a scarce early-reign type with strong historical resonance from a pivotal period in French history. For those seeking a well-preserved example of early 18th-century French silver coinage, this NGC-certified Ecu is a compelling choice. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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