French copper royal jeton of Louis XIV, commemorating the naval victory at Cartagena
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1670–1713
This French copper royal jeton dates to circa 1670–1713 and is part of a systematic medallic programme intended to glorify the reign of Louis XIV. Historically, such tokens were utilized as accounting aids in 'counting-houses' and government bureaus, where they were slid across lined boards to calculate figures, although by the late 17th century they frequently served as gaming pieces and curios.
The obverse features a draped bust of Louis XIV in a periwig with the legend "LVDOVICVS MAGNVS REX". The reverse depicts a rostral crown above a trident, flanked by laurel and palm branches, with two warships on the sea, accompanied by the legend "OMEN IMPERII MARITIMI" and the exergue inscription "KARTAGO NOVAM". The design commemorates the French naval victory over Spain at Carthago Nova in 1643. Struck at the French royal mint, this piece measures 22mm in diameter and exhibits natural surface patination.
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
- Mint
- French royal mint
Design
- Motif
- draped bust of Louis XIV, rostral crown, trident, laurel and palm branches, warships
- Obverse legend
- LVDOVICVS MAGNVS REX
- Reverse legend
- OMEN IMPERII MARITIMI
- Exergue inscription
- KARTAGO NOVAM
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.