Ecu 1728K France

[redwine]

Picked this up today at a boot
Never seen one face to face before, done some research but I'd appreciate any more info please.
ie relative rarity of mints etc....
Many thanks.


Obv: LUD.XV.D.G.FR.ET NAV.REX, portrait facing left.
Rev: SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM 1728, oval with three lis, surmounted by a large crown, shield bracketed by wreath.
Mint is K - Bordeaux

Composition: Silver
Fineness: 0.9170
Weight: 29.488g
ASW: 0.8693oz
Bullion value: $36.29 (8/28/2011)

[Figleaf]

Not sure what you want to know, so here are some random facts.

Type created by edict of January 1726, registered on 4th February. Design by Joseph-Charles Roettiers, member of a family of die engravers, originally from Antwerp, that worked there, in London, Paris and Vienna. His initials J.C.R. are on the bust, below. Mintage is 693 290. This type was struck by screw press, introduced in the reign of Louis XIV, who needed it to restrike one type after another.

Type is known as écu aux lauriers, originally tariffed at 5 livres Tournois, revalued to 6 livres Tournois on 26 May 1726. This revaluation of good silver coins was the final phase in the policy of restoring French coinage after the death of Louis XIV (après moi la déluge), who wasted enormous sums on losing wars. The minister responsible for the restauration of the coinage, the duke of Bourbon, served as scapegoat for the pain of the financial recovery. He was fired in 1726. His successor, cardinal Fleury, could follow a policy of balance and control thanks to Bourbon's reforms. At around the same time (1719) new heavy coppers had been introduced to get French small change on a sound footing again.

The remarkable return of sound money in France is all the more surprising because the world economy was bumping its head against the artificial ceiling of the world silver supply. At the time, this was known as the "silver hunger". Apparently, France was so rich by itself, that the mere absence of war could lead to growth, while at the same time, British merchants were complaining about the scarcity of silver. France's new confidence set the scene for Law's bank.

Peter

[redwine]

Very interesting thank you Peter.
I just wanted to know what sort of price I should be paying for the piece above.
And if there are any unusual/rare mints to watch out for.

[Figleaf]

Hard to let someone else decide that for you. There is general price information here, but in the end, it can only be your decision. It depends on how the coin appeals to you and how much you think it's worth.

Peter

[redwine]

Very interesting, so how much is it worth? Loved the Indian auction house action!

Not even a whisper of cognitive dissonance by name.

How about a European and US grade of the above coin then please.  Many thanks.
If I can buy the above coin at significantly less than bullion value then I'm happy.

Any thoughts on mints?  And we're not talking Polos.