France 1662E Louis XIV 1/2 Écu Extra Fine (EF40) $

France 1662E Louis XIV 1/2 Écu Extra Fine (EF-40)

The France 1662E Louis XIV 1/2 Écu was minted shortly after King Louis XIV assumed absolute personal rule in 1661 following the death of his chief minister, Cardinal Mazarin, marking the beginning of French absolutism. Struck in .917 silver at the Tours Mint (as indicated by the “E” mint mark), the coin belongs to the “Juvenile Bust” series, featuring a young, laureated, and draped portrait of Louis XIV. This image served as a piece of royal propaganda, emphasizing the king’s authority and control over the kingdom, replacing the symbols of the former regency government.

Obverse: Juvenile bust of Louis XIV on the right, long hair, laurel, draped and cuirassed. 

Reverse: Crowned shield of France

Specifications:
King: Louis XIV (1643-1715) 
Composition: Silver (.917) 
Engraver: Jean Warin 
Weight: 13.725 g 
Diameter: 33 mm 
Edge: Plain 
Die Axis: ↑↓
Mint: Tours, France 
Mintage: 12 518