Louis d'or aux 4L Coin France - Louis XIV - Gold - Louis d'or aux 4 L - 1693 AA Metz - Hoard - Treasure of Valenciennes F+

Gold Louis originating from the famous Hoard – Treasure of Valenciennes discovered by construction worker Giuseppe Corrias on August 30 1949 during rebuilding works.

While digging he uncovered a small barrel containing 2800 gold coins (48 kg) and 6000 silver coins (240 kg) one of the largest hoards of royal coinage ever found in France.

According to numismatists this deposit was likely buried after the 1709 Malplaquet campaign at the height of the War of the Spanish Succession and more specifically after the battle led by Marshal Villars. This context probably makes it an authentic war hoard.

Some of these coins were later dispersed on the collectors’ market helping preserve their memory and offering a few enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire a fragment of this remarkable discovery.

Read the article