Tiny horses, but they are there!

Every now and again I come across a piece that has horses on it, but they are very small. If I like the piece enough, I will still pull the trigger. My newest addition is just such a piece.

I first saw this jeton at auction a while back from Heritage. At the time, I had two other coins on layaway, and so I wasn't able to pull the trigger in the auction. I kicked myself for not bidding on it, and I thought I might never see another with such great toning and strike.

About 2 months after the Heritage auction, it came up for sale on eBay. I added it to my "watch" list, and as soon as I could scrounge up the funds, I was going to snag it. It was listed on eBay at a decent mark-up to it's original Heritage price, but it was one of those items that you just suck it up and tell yourself "I'm not going to let it get away this time". It was on my watch list for around 3 weeks, then it disappeared, the listing saying it was "no longer available". That wording always makes me think that the piece was probably sold either at a coin show of a dealer or that someone sent the seller an offer and the transaction was completed off of eBay (sans fees).

Well, much to my surprise it showed up yet again about a week ago on eBay from the same seller as before. This time, I didn't even think about it, I just clicked on the "Buy It Now" button and started counting the days until it arrived in person. It finally arrived over this past weekend, and I had a chance to image it.

I have not done a lot of research on this piece yet, but I do know that it is not particularly rare, with estimates probably in the 10,000 pieces range. The obverse features Louis XV, who was king of France until 1774 (one year after this jeton was struck in 1773). The reverse features a personified France, with troops standing by and celebrating the strength of the French Army. Three horses with riders are featured in the lower right of the reverse design.

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The best description I could find was the following:

F.888, 1773 (Silver)

OBVERSE: LUDOVICUS XV. REX. CHRISTIANISS.

"Louis XV, the most Christian king" Head of Louis XV facing right [No. 351]

REVERSE: PRAETERITI. MERCES. PIGNUSQUE. FUTURI

"A reward for past and a pledge for the future"

IN EXERGUE: EXTRAORDINAIRE. DES. GUERRES. 1773

DESIGN: France supported on a column, standing facing right, with an army shield with two crossed swords.

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As always, I'll post larger images on the chat boards. Thanks for reading, and happy collecting!

-Brandon

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