Louis XVIII In Exile in England, 1815-R

KMX 1; Friedberg 531, PCGS graded MS-62

When it was announced to Louis XVIII at the end of February 1815 that Napoleon had returned at the beginning of the so-called Cent Jours, the Bourbon king paid the matter little attention. However, as soldier after soldier and commander after commander joined the returned Emperor of the French it became clear that he was facing a dangerous situation. Danger turned into disaster on March 19 when Napoleon approached Paris and the forces charged with defending the city and Louis XVIII abandoned their posts and sided with Bonaparte. Fearing for his life, the Bourbon king again fled into exile, this time escaping to Ghent in the Netherlands, where he was supported by the Allies and especially the British. This 10-francs gold piece was actually struck at London’s Tower Mint on behalf of the exiled Louis XVIII in the period between March 19 and his second restoration on July 8.

London. Uniformed bust of Louis XVIII right. Reverse: Crowned arms within wreath.

Ex Stack’s (28 April 2010), 939