Expert: Brad Swain - 1/29/2010

Question
I recently bought a Silver 1734 Louis D'or Ecu at a country auction in Maine.  In trying to research info on this coin, I have been unable to find any information regarding the 18th Century system of letters of the mints.  Specifically, this coin has an "L" mint mark. Can you tell me the city in which this coin was struck?
Thanks,

Answer
Hi Jim, the L mintmark belongs to the Bayonne mint on the Spanish border. A heraldic blackbird is the mintmaster's mark. This coin should weigh 29.488 grams and would contain .8695 of an ounce of silver. Collector value may be worth about $20 with heavy wear to around $50 with moderate wear to maybe $150 with light wear.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad