The Ecu of Louis XV stands as one of the most elegant silver coins of the French Ancien Regime, and this 1718-A example from the Paris Mint captures the young king at the very start of his long reign. Louis XV ascended the throne in 1715 at just five years old, and this coin was struck during the regency of Philippe II, Duke of Orleans. The Ecu circulated widely across France and its territories at a time of great political and financial turbulence, including the collapse of John Law's Mississippi Company scheme.

The obverse presents a youthful right-facing portrait of Louis XV, laureate and draped in armor, with the legend LUDXV D G FR ET NAV REX running around the border in bold relief. The detail on the portrait is well-struck, with clear definition on the curled hair and elaborate drapery. The reverse displays the crowned royal arms of France and Navarre, quartered with the fleurs-de-lis of France and the chains of Navarre, surrounded by the religious motto SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTVM and the date 1718 at top, with the Paris mint mark A at the bottom.

NGC has graded this Ecu AU-58, reflecting a coin that retains nearly full luster with only the lightest friction on the highest points of the portrait. These are surprisingly rare issues with well under 100 examples certified in all grades combined. The surfaces show attractive original silver color with soft, even tone. The DAV-1327 reference confirms the type. For collectors of French royal coinage or early 18th-century European silver, this is a problem-free, nearly mint-state example of a historically significant type. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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