1670 French New World Coinage- 5 Sols, 15 Sold, 2 Deniers
The Kingdom of France did not specifically issue coins for exclusive use in the New World. France had settlements in Canada (in and around Quebec and Newfoundland), in America (Louisiana and scattered smaller settlements in other colonies) and in the Caribbean (French West Indies). But the French King did issue new coins for use in all of their possessions without geographical restrictions.
King Louis XIV issued an edict on February 19, 1670, that new silver coins of Five and Fifteen Sols denominations should be struck. The Paris Mint went into operation and struck 200,000 of the Five Sols and 40,000 of the 15 Sols silver coins. The edict also authorized a copper Two Deniers coin, which was called a double, but it did not go into production and only one example is known. These coins would bear the “A” mintmark of the Paris Mint.
The obverse of the 5 Sols and 15 Sols coins would depict a bust of King Louis XIV, facing right, with Latin inscriptions about “Louis XIV, by the Grace of God, King of France.” The reverse inscriptions discuss the Glory of God and the date, 1670, surrounding a shield with 3 Fleur-de-lis with a Crown above the shield.
Given the original mintages and the surviving specimens known, the 5 Sols is likely the only readily collectible piece. The 15 Sols are fairly expensive and generally available at major coin auctions. The Double Denier is a unique specimen and unavailable.
| Date | Type | Mintage | VG Value | XF Value |
| 1670-A | 5 Sols | 200,000 | $800 | $3,500 |
| 1670-A | 15 Sold | 40,000 | $14,000 | $135,000 |
| 1670-A | 2 Deniers | 1 | $200,000 | $550,000 |
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