Double Louis d’or of Louis XV of France (b. 1710; r. 1715–74) 1761

Joseph-Charles Roettiers designed this double Louis d’or of Louis XV, a coin made from gold. The circular form immediately draws the eye, its edges precisely milled to prevent the clipping of precious metal. This inherent geometry provides a sense of order. Observe the profile of King Louis XV, finely detailed with curls of hair cascading down his neck. The incuse relief and the lettering around the coin's perimeter are not merely descriptive. Rather, they are integral to the coin's symbolic function, embedding it within the semiotic system of the French monarchy. The coin is not just currency; it embodies power, authority, and the divine right of kings. Consider the tactile quality of the gold itself, its weight and luster communicating value and permanence. The double Louis d’or serves as a potent reminder of the intersection between art, power, and economic exchange.