Pistole of Louis XIII
France
1640–1643
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$901.91
Based on Gold spot price ($4,832.49/oz) · 90.0% purity · 6.45g
Updated 12:49 AM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Years Minted | 1640–1643 |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 6.45 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Bust of King Louis XIII facing right.
Reverse
Crowned oval shield with the arms of France.
History & Notable Facts
The Pistole of Louis XIII, introduced in 1640, was struck from 22-karat gold sourced largely from French colonies in the Americas. This made it a practical tool for international trade, especially during the king's protracted wars. Weighing about 6.45 grams, it featured the king's profile on one side and the royal arms on the other, a design that echoed Spanish influences without copying them outright.
Minting occurred primarily in Paris, though records from other sites are sparse. We know production ramped up after 1635 to fund military campaigns, but exact figures were lost in various archival fires over the centuries. That said, surviving examples show wear from heavy circulation, a testament to their role in everyday transactions.
One oddity: the name "Pistole" might evoke a firearm, but it's just a coin. No duels involved.
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