A stunningly beautiful and historic Jeton from the reign of Louis XVI who met his demise at the hands of "Citizen Robespierre" and the infamous guillotine. The luster on this item is amazing! A prize for the specialist...
NGC has graded only 6 specimens in this grade with just 49 graded higher. Compare these numbers with something like Morgan Dollars which even when many thousands (and tens of thousands!) have been graded but fetch so much more money in comparable grades. Not many of these treasures exist, and very few as pretty as this one!
Jetons are token-like objects that have been historically
used in various ways, primarily in Europe, for accounting, counting, and gaming
purposes. In France, jetons have a long history and were used for a variety of
functions.
Here are some key points about jetons of France:
- Historical
Use: Jetons have been used in France since the medieval period.
Initially, they were used as counting aids for merchants, helping them
perform calculations.
- Educational
Tools: Jetons were also used in education for teaching arithmetic and
mathematics. They often featured numerical symbols and served as visual
aids in classrooms.
- Gaming
and Gambling: Some jetons were used in gaming and gambling, serving as
tokens for bets and wagers. These gaming jetons often had decorative
designs and were made from various materials, including metal and ivory.
- Manufacturing
Materials: Jetons were crafted from a variety of materials, depending
on the time period and their intended use. Materials included metal,
brass, bronze, lead, ivory, and other materials.
- Designs:
Jetons often had intricate designs, sometimes featuring heraldic symbols,
religious imagery, or other decorative elements. The design could vary
widely based on the purpose of the jeton and the region in which it was
produced.
- Evolution:
The use of jetons evolved over time, and they remained in circulation for
centuries. As the need for manual counting aids decreased with
advancements in technology, the use of jetons declined.
- Collectibility:
Today, antique jetons are often collected as historical artifacts and
numismatic items. Collectors appreciate them for their historical
significance, craftsmanship, and diverse designs.
- Mints:
Jetons were produced by various mints and craftsmen throughout France.
Some jetons were specific to certain regions or cities.