Kingdom of France, Louis XIV, Louis d'or 1693

Louis XIV (1643-1715) ascended to the throne at the age of four and remained in power for 72 years. During his long time, Louis issued various gold and silver coins depicting his portrait. The royal images were always geared to the latest fashion: Louis was what today would be called a trendsetter. In 1673, he decreed that at court men were to wear a periwig, thus making it a European fashion. The Louis d'or shown here depicts the king wearing such a periwig, or peruke. It is additionally adorned with a laurel wreath, a conspicuous emblem of royal power.