Token - Louis XV Etats de Bretagne; Rennes
1746 year| Silver | 6.7 g | 28.6 mm |
| Location | France |
|---|---|
| King | Louis XV (1715-1774) |
| Type | Utility items › Counter tokens |
| Year | 1746 |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 6.7 g |
| Diameter | 28.6 mm |
| Thickness | 1.4 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-11-13 |
| Numista | N#150613 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Crowned shield quartered with 1 and 4 of France, with 2 and 3 of Brittany, on a mantle sown with fleur-de-lys and ermines.
Script: Latin
Lettering: JETON DES ESTATS DE BRETAGNE 1746.
Edge
Milled
Comment
Daniel found three types of token for this outfit: the first with DU VIVIER signature (Daniel no. 96), the second with D.V. and date 1746 on the shoulder edge (Daniel no. 97), and the last with D.V. without the date 1746 (Daniel no. 98).Of all the French provinces, Brittany was the one where the monarchy best respected local privileges and particularities. Its union only dated from 1532, and its states were the most turbulent in the kingdom. Their agreement was necessary for the levying of all monies and the execution of all edicts, even sovereign ones. They were held every two years. All three orders were represented, with bishops, abbots, town representatives and, above all, numerous nobles (six to seven hundred) who generally imposed their will on the others, although voting was by order. The nobles and hobereaux formed what was known as the "bastion", tyrannizing the rest of the assembly and attracted above all by feasts and meals. The main resource of the provincial budget was provided by "duties", a highly productive tax on beverages, as well as the "fouage" or fire tax. Despite these revenues, the administration of the Estates of Brittany was nevertheless costly, and on the eve of the Revolution, the Estates were fifty million livres in debt. The Estates made around 150 different tokens, to be given to the members of its administration as bonuses: 100 for each president, 50 for each auditor, etc.
