Antique French Jetton from the French Revolution. 1793, but not stamped with the date. This Jetton was made just after the execution of the King, memorializing him as a martyr for his country and kingdom. Read more below if you are interested in the history behind this coin!
The obverse (front) shows the naked bust of Louis XVI wearing a crown of thorns. Title around and initials of the engraver under the truncation.
The reverse: A funerary urn engraved with the name of the king; next to it, a crown and a scepter on the ground. Legend around and date in exergue.
Minted in Nuremberg, Germany
Engraver: Johann Christian Reich, born 1730 or 1740 in Eisenberg, Thuringia, and died March 21, 1814 in Fürth, was a German medalist.
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.
1793 French Jetton Louis XVI - Louis XVI Le Roi Martyr 1793, Great Condition - French Token Coin From the French Revolution