Free Imperial State of Nurenberg Louis XVI Brass Counter Token - Great Condition - The Martyr King Louis XVI -

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Location:    Free imperial city of Nuremberg (German States) 
Type:    Utility items › Counter tokens
Composition:    Brass
Weight:    2.02 g
Diameter:    24 mm
Thickness:    0.9 mm
Shape:    Round
Orientation:    Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized:    Yes
Number:    N#44723Help
References:    Feu# 13408

Louis XVI, former King of France since the abolition of the monarchy, was publicly executed on 21 January 1793 during the French Revolution at the Place de la Révolution in Paris. At his trial four days prior, the National Convention had convicted the former king of high treason in a near-unanimous vote; while no one voted "not guilty", several deputies abstained. Ultimately, they condemned him to death by a simple majority. The execution by guillotine was performed by Charles-Henri Sanson, then High Executioner of the French First Republic and previously royal executioner under Louis.

Often viewed as a turning point in both French and European history, the execution inspired various reactions around the world. To some, Louis' death at the hands of his former subjects symbolized the end of an unbroken thousand-year period of monarchy in France and the true beginning of democracy within the nation, although Louis would not be the last king of France. Others (even some who had supported major political reform) condemned the execution as an act of senseless bloodshed and saw it as a sign that France had devolved into a state of violent, amoral chaos.

As he was strapped down, he exclaimed "My people, I die innocent!" Then, turning towards his executioners, Louis XVI declared "Gentlemen, I am innocent of everything of which I am accused. I hope that my blood may cement the good fortune of the French." The blade fell