French copper royal jeton of Louis XIV, Cartagena naval victory, circa 1670–1713
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1670–1713
This French copper royal jeton commemorates the naval victory of France over Spain at Cartagena in 1643, a triumph early in the reign of Louis XIV. Measuring 22mm in diameter, the jeton features a draped bust of the monarch wearing a flowing periwig on the obverse, accompanied by the inscription "LVDOVICVS · MAGNVS · REX".
The reverse depicts a rostral crown—a classical Roman emblem of naval conquest—positioned above a trident, surrounded by laurel and palm branches, with two warships sailing below. The reverse legend "OMEN IMPERII MARITIMI" (an omen of maritime empire) highlights the propagandistic intent of the piece, while the exergue is inscribed "KARTAGO / NOVAM". Attributed to engraver Thomas Bernard, this jeton is part of a medallic program intended to promote the glory of the "Sun King".
Originally used as counters in bureaucratic accounting on a lined cloth or board, such jetons transitioned by the late 17th century into gaming tokens and curiosities. This example exhibits an attractive surface patination and remains in good condition with a crisp, detailed strike.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Diameter
- 22mm
- Material
- copper
Technical characteristics
- Engraver
- Thomas Bernard
Design
- Exergue
- KARTAGO / NOVAM
- Obverse
- Draped bust of Louis XIV to the right with flowing periwig
- Reverse
- Rostral crown above a trident, flanked by laurel and palm branches, with two warships on the sea below
- Obverse legend
- LVDOVICVS · MAGNVS · REX
- Reverse legend
- OMEN IMPERII MARITIMI
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Thomas Bernard
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.