Louis XIV (b. 1638, r. 1643–1715) 1674

This silver medal, created by Jean Mauger in 1674, portrays Louis XIV, King of France, in profile. The medal is inscribed with the Latin phrase "Ludovicus Magnus Rex Christianissimus" which translates to "Louis the Great, King of the Most Christian [Nation]". This small yet intricate piece of art serves as a testament to the grandeur and power associated with the French monarchy during the reign of the "Sun King." The medal, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a prime example of 17th-century medallic art and offers a glimpse into the artistic trends of the era.