CNG 85, Lot: 1345. Estimate $500. Sold for $410. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

FRANCE, Royal. Louis XIV le Roi Soleil (the Sun King). 1643–1715. White Metal Écu (41mm, 23.17 g, 12h). 19th century fantasy deriving from the écu aux trois couronnes. Paris (Louvre?) mint. LVD • XIV • D • G • FR • ET • NAV • REX •, bareheaded and draped bust left; T • B • below bust / (rosette) AB ILLO SPLENDOR, radiant sun surrounded by three crowns. Duplessy -; cf. Ciani 1942 (essai de écu; for obv.). Superb EF, toned. Very rare.

Another example, struck in silver and now lost, was in the collection of the Monnaie de Paris.