1693 Gilt Bronze Medal Betts-75B, Louis XIV Felicitas

Coin Details

Description

This 1693 gilt bronze medal (Betts-75B) is a variant of the Louis XIV Felicitas medal with applied gilding over a bronze base. The gilt finish was reserved for special presentations and diplomatic gifts, simulating the appearance of gold at a fraction of the cost. Gilt medals occupied a middle tier between plain bronze and precious metal versions in the hierarchy of French royal medals. The "B" suffix in the Betts catalog designation indicates this is a recognized sub-variant of the base Betts-75 design. Louis XIV's medal program distributed gifts in graded metals — gold for royalty and senior diplomats, gilt for lesser officials, silver for important citizens, and bronze for broader distribution — making the gilt version an indicator of its intended recipient's rank. Medallic commemoration of colonial events was not limited to military victories — treaties, explorations, trading company foundings, missionary activities, and colonial administrative milestones all received medallic recognition.

Rarity Notes

Original 1693 gilt bronze variant. Gilt finish indicates presentation quality. Rare.

Cross References

Betts-75B; Louis XIV Felicitas; gilt bronze variant 1693