Double Louis d’or of Louis XV of France (b. 1710; r. 1715–74) 1755

Joseph-Charles Roettiers designed this Double Louis d’or for Louis XV of France. It is a tiny object, but it encapsulates the economic and social structures of 18th-century France. The coin embodies the concept of royal authority and the divine right of kings. The portrait of Louis XV, with his elaborate wig, served as a potent symbol of the monarchy's power and prestige. The Louis d'or was not merely a tool for transactions, but it visually reinforced the social hierarchy and political stability of the time. Its very existence relied on France's economic policies, colonial reach, and systems of taxation. To fully understand this coin, one must delve into numismatic history and the archives of the French monarchy, exploring economic treatises and the personal correspondence of the royal court. By examining the coin in its historical context, we can gain a richer understanding of the complex world of 18th-century France.