ObverseImage: Wikimedia Commons · Louis XIV (1638-1715 ; roi de France). Autorité émettrice de monnaie Paris (France ; atelier monétaire). Atelier monétaire · Public domain
1 Louis d'Argent
France
1640–1793
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Specifications
| Country | France |
| Years Minted | 1640–1793 |
| Composition | Silver |
| Shape | Round |
Design
Obverse
Features the bust of the French king on the obverse.
Reverse
Displays the royal coat of arms or a cross on the reverse.
History & Notable Facts
The 1 Louis d'Argent was frequently melted down during France's wars to extract its silver, turning a symbol of the monarchy into cannon funding.
This coin, minted from 1640 to 1793, served as the silver counterpart to the Louis d'Or, though exact designs varied by ruler and mint. Early versions under Louis XIII featured a simple bust and shield, while later ones under Louis XVI included more detailed portraits. We know it was produced in Paris and provincial mints, but records for specific years are spotty—many burned in the 1871 fire.
Weights hovered around 27 grams for the standard issue, though alloys weren't always consistent, leading to complaints about purity. As for myths, no, it wasn't cursed; that's just collectors romanticizing history.
Some numismatists quip that handling these coins feels like gripping the past's loose change.
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