Vaud Louis d'Argent

The most striking thing about Vaud's Louis d'Argent coins is how they incorporated recycled silver from older European thalers, a thrifty move in an era of scarce metal supplies.

That recycling wasn't just practical; it reflected the canton's economic pressures under Bernese rule. These silver pieces, minted between 1750 and 1798, typically showed the arms of Bern on one side and a simple cross on the other, emphasizing Vaud's subordinate status. No fancy legends here—just straightforward designs for local use.

We don't know exact mintages; records from that period are spotty, likely lost to time or turmoil. What I can say is that handling one after thirty years still feels solid, if unremarkable.

And if you think these coins traveled far, well, most probably didn't leave the Alps.