Numismatic

1831-1838 France Gold 40 Francs Louis Philippe I XF

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During the 1830s, French coinage underwent a stylistic transition that captured the political shifts of the era. This gold 40 Francs coin, minted between 1831 and 1838, serves as a stunning example of the period's numismatic art. Struck at the Paris Mint, the coin contains 0.3734 troy ounces of actual gold content, refined to a purity of 0.900. It stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of nineteenth-century French minters. The obverse of the coin features a detailed, right-facing portrait of Louis Philippe I. Designed by Joseph-Francois Domard, the engraving captures the profile of the monarch with classical dignity. Surrounding the bust, the inscriptions identify him as the king of the French, a title reflecting the constitutional nature of his reign. Domard's signature mark is also integrated into the obverse design. On the reverse, the coin displays its denomination of 40 Francs alongside the year of issue, both framed by an elegant, protective wreath. This balanced composition highlights the functional clarity and aesthetic restraint of the era's design philosophy. Cataloged as KM#747.1, this piece survives in Extra Fine condition, preserving the crisp details of the original engraving for modern observers to appreciate.