Obverse
Obverse legend : LUDOV. XVI. REX. CHRISTIANISSIM.
Obverse description : Buste à droite de Louis XVI signé DUVIV.
Obverse translation : Louis XVI, roi très chrétien.
Reverse
Reverse legend : EX JUSTITIA ORITUR ABUNDANTIA.
Reverse description : La Monnaie assise à droite, tenant une épée et des balances, le coude appuyé sur le balancier monétaire.
Reverse translation : L'Abondance naît de la justice.
Commentary
Historical background
MONNAIE DE PARIS
(16th-18th centuries)
The Monnaie de Paris was located in the 17th century on the site of the current Samaritaine. The issuing bank was formed from the agglomeration of small plots and medieval houses which gave this establishment a heterogeneous appearance. Not far from its location, behind the Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois church, is still the rue de l'Arbre sec, recalling that a gallows had been established there to punish in particular some counterfeiters. The few plans from the 18th century show us a succession of small rooms, of different sizes and located on different levels, some of them vacant because they had suffered a fire. Renovation projects were proposed around 1750 but were not immediately implemented. After an exchange contract with land located around the former Hôtel de Conti, the Monnaie de Paris will be transferred to its current location. The old coin will be razed during the second half of the 18th century.