The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Louis d'Or

LOUIS D'OR, a French gold coin, first struck under Louis XIII. in 1641. It has fluctuated in value, but subsequent to 1785 was coined at the rate of 36¼ to the mark of gold 22 carats fine, having an intrinsic value of about 20s. sterling ($4 86). These ceased to be legal coins in France as early as 1726, but they still circulated in Germany and Switzerland. Upon the return of the Bourbons in 1814 coins struck by Louis XVIII. in imitation of the napoleons were called louis, or louis d'or; and this name is sometimes given to the same coin struck by Louis Philippe.