FRANCE. Gold Box Medal, 1654. Louis XIV (1643-1715).BM-210. Obverse: Bust of Louis XIV right, wearing a crown, ruffed collar and ermine robe and the colors of the Order of St. Louis and of the Holy Spirit; Reverse: A dove, appearing from clouds and surrounded by rays, holds the holy ampulla above Rheims. A Paris mint restrike (bearing a small "OR" and cornucopia stamp [ca. 1880-1901] on the reverse) gold medal that was originally issued in 1654 for the coronation of Louis XIV. Skillfully converted into a box medal, a hidden spring is found around 6 oclock that when pressed reveals a miniature of a young girl (in porcelain?) inside the box. For more, refer to Mark Jones, <em>A Catalogue of the French Medals in the British Museum, Volume Tw</em>o, p. 207. A fascinating and intimate item. Holed at 12 oclock for suspension.EXTREMELY FINE.
