The French Ecu of Louis XV carries one of the most recognizable royal portraits in European coinage, and this 1718 example from the Paris Mint captures the young king in exceptional detail. Struck during the regency era, the coin was issued just four years after the five-year-old Louis XV ascended to the French throne. The Ecu served as the principal silver denomination of the French monarchy and circulated widely across France and its territories.

The obverse presents a youthful right-facing portrait of Louis XV, adorned with a laureate and draped bust in armor. The legend reads LUD·XV·D·G·FR·ET·NAV·REX, identifying him as King of France and Navarre. The reverse displays the royal arms of France and Navarre beneath a fleur-de-lis crown, with the legend SIT·NOMEN·DOMINI·BENEDICTVM and the date 1718. The Paris Mint mark A appears at the bottom of the reverse. The devices show bold relief and the legends remain clear throughout.

NGC certified this coin AU-55, reflecting light wear on the high points with substantial remaining luster. This is a surprisingly rare coin for the price and age with well under 100 examples certified in all grades combined for the issue. The surfaces display an attractive silver-gray patina with even tone across both sides. This is a desirable type coin representing early 18th-century French royal coinage, catalogued as DAV-1327, and appealing to collectors of European world coins and French royal issues. For those seeking a problem-free, nearly-uncirculated example of this classic French silver type, this coin delivers. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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