10-Louis Piece of Louis XIII

e. machine-made) coin of the largest size ever minted in France, produced (in two varieties, with draped and undraped bust) in only one year, 1640. The present example is perhaps the first to enter a public collection in Great Britain. These pieces were almost certainly designed, if not also executed, by Jean Warin (or Varin), one of the greatest engravers of his age. Jean Warin was also a painter and sculptor; hence his ability to produce a fine portrait of the king in the very high relief which also characterises certain of his medals. The perfection of his 'milled' coinage exceeds anything else of the period.

Provenance

The late Viscount Astor.