When Louis XIV ascended to the throne at the age of four, nobody could guess that he would remain in power for 72 years (1643-1715). During that time numerous portrait coins of the king were made, clearly reflecting the change in a man's features through the years.
The king was a passionate coin collector. At the same time the man in charge of the French coinage was Jean Varin, one of the most talented engravers of his time. Varin created numerous portrait coins of his king; this Louis d'or dates from the year 1646, and depicts the king as an eight year-old.