Expert: Brad Swain - 2/12/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a French coin Left Facing and it reads as follows
LUD.XVI.DG.FRET.NAV.REX, GREAT DETAIL
BACK OF COIN, .CHRS.REGN.VINC.IMPER.1779
A crown and 2 oval circles one with 3 looks like husk of corn and
the other of dots going in a pattern, any ideas. Thanks Alan

ANSWER: Hi Alan, it sounds like a gold Louis d'Or featuring Louis XVI (1774-90). What marks or letters are below the two shields and below the king?
With more info I'll be glad to help further.
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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Below the king there is a symbol of a bird like figure. I have seen this before on line but could never see the coin that I have. In the back below the crown are two oval circles of symbols. Three corn and a pattern of dots below that is a upside down V . I had a idea it was gold with my research. Also I have a 1793 one cent coin. US. some scratches but in good shape. Alan

Answer
Hi Alan, it may be from the Paris mint with an A below the two shields and a heron below the king.
If you have pictures (not over 1 megabyte each please) you can email them to me at tbirde@psknet.com.
This coin should weigh 8.1580 grams and would contain .2405 of an ounce of gold. Check the weight to make sure its not a fake.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
There are 3 different type designs of the 1793 U.S. cent, all rare and worth several hundred dollars or more. You might try here for pictures:
http://www.bestcoin.com/united-states-coin-pricing-guide.htm .
You might also try a library for a copy of the Guidebook of United States Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad