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Kingdom of France, Louis XIV, Ecu 1709

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Kingdom of France, Louis XIV, Ecu 1709 (obverse) Kingdom of France, Louis XIV, Ecu 1709 (reverse)

Upon Louis XIV's death (1643-1715), France had a public revenue far higher than average. At the same time the country faced enormous costs for of the War of the Spanish Succession. The wartime coins (1702-1713) reflect the extraordinary financial burden. Their value increased continuously. While the écu held 3 livres 6 sous in 1689, it was rated at 5 livres in 1709. This écu shows Louis at the age of about 71. It was the old Sun King's last silver coin.

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