Louis XV (1715-1774). Gold 2 Louis d'or de Noailles, 1717-A (Paris). Crowned child bust left. Rev. Cross of four shields with arms of France and Navarre, lis in angles (Fr 450; Gadoury 344; KM 428.1). In NGC holder graded MS 62, striation marks on obverse, full original mint brilliance. Popular design type. Value $3,000 - UP
The louis d'or de Noailles ("gold Louis of Noailles") is named after Adrien-Maurice, Duke of Noailles, who served as president of the Royal Council of Finances during the regency for Louis XV between 1715 and 1718. This louis d'or variety was struck under the features a very young portrait of the monarch wearing his coronation crown. Although most of the royal crowns were stolen and destroyed during the excesses of the French Revolution (1789-1799), the crown depicted on this coin variety still survives in the collection of the Louvre Museum. The reverse type forms a cross from shields bearing the heraldic blazons of France and Navarre.