1680 Louis XIV Versailles Medal REGIA VERSALLARUM Medailles du Roy Bronze 34g

Description: Antique French bronze commemorative medal of Louis XIV featuring the Palace of Versailles, from the celebrated Médailles du Roy series. Obverse: Right-facing portrait bust of Louis XIV with long curly wig. Inscription: LUDOVICUS MAGNUS REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS ("Louis the Great, Most Christian King"). Reverse: Detailed aerial bird's-eye view of the Palace of Versailles and its formal gardens. Inscription at top: REGIA VERSALLARUM ("The Royal Palace of Versailles").

Date at bottom: MDCLXXX (1680). Historical significance: The Médailles du Roy was an ambitious series of official bronze medals commissioned by Louis XIV and the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres to document the major events and achievements of his reign. The year 1680 was a pivotal moment in the transformation of Versailles - Louis XIV was actively expanding the palace and its gardens under architects Le Vau, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, and landscape designer André Le Nôtre. The court officially moved to Versailles in 1682, just two years after this medal was struck.

The Médailles du Roy series is considered one of the most important medallic enterprises in French history. Metal: Bronze - not magnetic. Dark brown patina with attractive toning.

Condition: Very good antique condition with dark patina and light age wear. No damage, cracks, or repairs. Note: All details provided are based on the item's original markings and my own observations.

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