Token - Antoine Louis François de Caumartin de Saint-Ange Cité de Metz

Reverse

Warrior leaning on a shield presenting a flower to a child
Azure shield with a lion rampant

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PATRIAE SPES ALTERA SURGIT
: PRÆFECTO

Comment

The Metz mint was ravaged by fire in 1654 and the last municipal coins were minted in 1661. The Parliament of Metz, by decision of February 11, 1662, decided to abolish municipal coinage, and abandoned to the King his former monetary manufacturing privileges some change. The edict of July 22, 1679 demonetized the municipal currencies of Metz. Despite the opening of a Royal mint with first the crowned letter M, then the double letter AA and the confirmation of demonetization by the edict of May 5, 1693, the Messinian divisional coins continued to circulate for more than fifty years.
 Louis XV, aged 34 during the War of the Austrian Succession, had joined his father-in-law in Metz, who had fled Lorraine, driven out by the Austrians. The King fell ill there, almost died, but recovered his health. It was on this occasion that the King received the title "the beloved". To commemorate this event, the King had a portal built in Metz Cathedral which was erected in 1764, inaugurated by Marshal Detrées, governor of the city that year.