DUVIVIER, Benjamin: France, 1763, Bronze, 74 mm
Obv: Equestrian statue of Louis XV on a pedestal decorated with garlands and supported by two caryatids. On the pedestal is a bar relief representing a triumphal scene. Below are trophies. LUDOVICUS XV. PATRIAE PARENS DILECTISSIMUS
Exergue: VERA LAUS REGIS AMOR CIVIUM (The True Glory of the King Is the Love of the Citizens)
Rev: Sun shining on fortress seaport with vessels setting sail. On shore are bales and barrels. SEDAT FLUCTUS TERRAM ALIT ARTES FOVET (He Appeases the Floods, Nourishes the Land, Favors the Arts)
Exergue: SEX MERCATORUM PARIS. ORDINES. MDCCLXIII   (The Six Merchant Corps of Paris, 1763)
Signed: B. DUV / B.DUVIVIER F.
Ref: Babelon, J. and Jacquiot, J. 165;  Weiss BW378
Rare

This medal commemorates the erection of an equestrian statue of Louis XV on the Place de la Concorde in 1763.  It is thought to represent homage from the Six Corps of Paris merchants delivering prisoners and may be related to the Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763 by France, Britain and Spain, ending the Seven Years' War.

For a brief biographical sketch of Louis XV see the medal ‘LOUIS XV ON HIS ACCESSION’.