Louis XV (1715-1774). Gold Louis d'or a la croix de Malte, 1718-9 (Rennes). Young laureate bust of king right. Rev. Maltese cross (Fr 453; Gadoury 336; KM 438.22). In NGC holder graded AU 53, light obverse striation marks with considerable mint brilliance. Value $1,800 - UP
The reverse type of the louis d'or a la croix du Saint-Esprit ("gold Louis with the cross of the Holy Spirit") is often described as depicting a Maltese cross and representing the chivalric Order of Malta, but it is in fact the similar cross used by the French Ordre du Saint-Esprit ("Order of the Holy Spirit"). This order was created by Henri III on December 31, 1578, as a means of binding the powerful nobles of France more closely to the king. It was successful in this regard and was therefore abolished during the French Revolution (1789-1799). However, it was recognized by the restored Louis XVIII. A painted portrait of Louis XV by Carle Van Loo depicts the king wearing the cross and other insignia of the Ordre du Saint-Esprit.