{"product_id":"1684-france-louis-xiv-ae-damascened-medal-on-the-remission-of-spanish-war-debt","title":"1684 France Louis XIV AE Damascened Medal on the Remission of Spanish War Debt","description":"\u003cp\u003e1684 France Louis XIV AE Damascened Medal on the Remission of Spanish War Debt, by N. Delahaye and J. Roettiers. Plain edge.\u003cbr\u003e\nLUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS, laureate armored and draped older bust right, DELAHAYE below || HISPANIS ROGANTIBVS REMISSA AVR CORONAT DCC MILL, the King, in Roman triumphant form, receiving the thanks of Spain, winged Victory in middle setting fire to tax register, INDVLGENTIA PR MDCLXXXIV R in exergue.\u003cbr\u003e\n72mm, 114.79g. Divo 206 var.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn uncirculated condition, with gilding intact. Slight scratches in obverse fields, otherwise a choice example with lovely chocolate brown surfaces. An extremely rare type that has never been offered publicly as a damascened example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpertly damascened, a famed technique popular in the Baroque era, particularly in France. The raised surfaces have been carefully gilded in gold, creating a striking and beautiful bicolor appearance. These medals are extremely rare and were used as presentation pieces in the French Court.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Remission of the Spanish War Debt was a major act of diplomacy and a show of royal generosity. In 1684, following a series of French military victories during the Franco-Spanish War, roughly 700,000 gold crowns were owed by Spain to France, as war contributions. These contributions were associated with French military operations within the Spanish Netherlands, where their occupying armies demanded payments from towns and provinces to support their troops. Facing mounting military and economic pressure, the Spanish government requested relief from these financial obligations, which Louis agreed to remit. Critically, this act was presented as an act of royal clemency, generosity, and mercy to a defeated enemy. The war was later concluded with the Truce of Ratisbon in August 1684, which officially secured France’s territorial gains.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Numismatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51005384917178,"sku":null,"price":3750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/8709\/5482\/files\/1684_Louis_XIV_Damascened_Gilt_Medal.jpg?v=1794240775","url":"https:\/\/apexnumismatics.com\/products\/1684-france-louis-xiv-ae-damascened-medal-on-the-remission-of-spanish-war-debt","provider":"Apex Numismatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}