Liard - Leopold I
| Copper | 2.1 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Lorraine (French States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | Leopold (1697-1729) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1706-1729 |
| Value | 1 Liard (1⁄80) |
| Currency | Pound of Lorraine (1700-1737) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.1 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#19914 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 27% |
Reverse
Inscription in four lines with date, divided by an alerion, below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
☩
LIARD
DE
LORRAINE
17 27
Translation: Liard of Lorraine.
Edge
Plain
Comment
The weight of this type is highly variable, ranging from about 2.0 to 2.8 g.
For some later dates, the punch used reverse for the letter R resembles a K.
Leopold I is the son of Charles V (1642-1690), a lackland duke. Unlike his father, he managed taking back his Duchy after the Ryswick treatees signed on October 30th, 1697. The following year he spoused Charlotte of Orleans, niece of Louis XIV of France, making Leopold I torn in two, between his 2 families: in one side, the French reigning family of his wife, and in the other side, his own family, whose uncle and cousins ruled over the Archiduchy of Austria and as Holy Roman Emperors.
This coin is clearly inspirated by the Liard de France, proof of the growing influence of the Kingdom of France over Lorraine.
Even Lorraine was simply a Duchy, the Duke Leopold Ier wore the title of King on his coins, plaiming himself heir of Godefroy de Bouillon, former King of Jerusalem. This also explains the use of a Jerusalem cross on the reverse.
Examples of varieties of the obverse lettering :
- B.REX.I
- B.REX.IE
- BA.R.IE
- BA.REX.I
Interesting fact
The Liard - Leopold I 1706-1729 coin was minted during a time of great change in the Duchy of Lorraine. In 1708, the Duchy was occupied by the French, and in 1729, it was officially annexed by France. As a result, this coin was minted during a period of transition, and its design reflects the political and cultural influences of the time. The coin features an image of Leopold I, the Duke of Lorraine, and the reverse side features the coat of arms of the Duchy of Lorraine. This coin is a unique piece of history that captures the complex political landscape of 18th-century Europe.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1727 | 7590010 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1728 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Liard - Leopold I 1706-1729 coin.
