Louis XVI (1774-1792). Gold Louis d'or au buste nu, 1786-D (Lyon). Bare older bust of king left. Rev. Crown over two square shields of France and Navarre (Fr 475; Gadoury 361; KM 591.5). In NGC holder graded MS 65, superb quality with great eye appeal. Value $1,750 - UP
In 1774 a much plainer bust type was introduced for the louis d'or known as au buste nu ("with naked bust") referring to the fact that the portrait is unadorned with clothing as was the previous au buste habillé variety. The present coin was struck in 1786, the year that the Eden Treaty was signed between France and Great Britain in a misguided attempt by the French government to shore up the tottering economy. The treaty ultimately favored English interests. All Frenchmen and not just the king's portrait teetered on the brink of losing their shirts.