1693 Louis XIV Felicitas Domus Augustae medal. Copper, Gilt. Betts-Unlisted, types similar to Betts-75. Extremely Fine. 41.1 mm. 404.3 grains. Obverse signed I. MAVGER F. Obv: bust of Louis XIV, right. Rev: bust of the dauphin over those of his three children. Mellow golden gilt surfaces are reasonably intact for a worn medal, although the gilding is worn through on the highest points of the portrait reliefs on both sides and to a lesser degree on the tops of the letters of the legends. No serious marks or problems, though there is a bit of surface debris caked in places. Rim cuds on the reverse from 5:00 to 8:00. This was one of a series of medals struck to celebrate the prosperity of the Royal House. The first of this series, Betts-75 was officially presented to Native Americans, while some others are thought to have drifted into Native hands through unofficial channels. Part XVI of the illustrious Ford sales included two such medals in silver, though they were from different dies than seen here. As this has no manner of suspension, it was likely not presented to a Native American, yet it is a useful representation of those that were so used by King Louis XIV. Ex Stack’s, January 2010, lot 6192.
