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Auction: 394 - Coins, Commemorative Medals, Autographs and Documents - e-Auction
Lot: 106

France. Louis XV (1715-1774). Betrothal of Louis XV to the Infanta Maria Anna Victoria of Spain, 1721. Medal. Bronze, 41mm. By Jean Le Blanc and DuVivier. Their busts vis-à-vis, rev. Hymen left presenting the Infanta to France. Although the 3-year-old Infanta was very popular with the French court, eleven-year-old Louis was not much enthralled. But it was ultimately the Prime Minister, Louis Henri, through a fine bit of political manoeuvring, who had the betrothal ended four years later. Mindful that an heir was needed sooner than later, Louis Henri presented the young king and the court with a list of 100 alternative candidates. The safest choice was the 21-year-old Marie Leszczynska, daughter of the deposed king of Poland. The two were married by proxy August 15, 1725. The usurped Maria Anna, meanwhile, eventually would wed José I of Portugal. Plain edge. Divo 40. Good Extremely Fine.

Sold for
$90

Starting price
$90