1737, France, Louis XV., the Assembly of Lille, Copper Token.

France, Louis XV., 1737 AD.,
Copper Jeton (31 mm / 8,68 g),
Obv.: LUD. XV. REX CHRISTIANISS. (Louis XV most Christian King), signed FM (François Marteau) , head of Louis XV right.
Rev.: SECURITAS. PROVINC. INSUL // LES. ESTATS. DE. LILLE / 1737: (in exergue) , (Security, Duty, Lille, The Assembly of Lille). Image signed IB ; Abundance leaning against an altar with the shield of France, holding a rudder with the coat of arms of the States of Lille - l'Abondance accoudée à un autel aux armes de France, tenant un gouvernail et une corne d'abondance.
Feuardent 7241 .

Flanders and Lille passed in and out of French control during the wars of the late 1600s and early 1700s. The jeton pictured here is clearly during a period of French control. CGB's description of this style token translates the reverse inscription as noting the security of the states of Lille. The earlier name for Lille was L'Isle (as in `the island'). This came about due to the town being built on dry land in the middle of a marsh in ancient times. Insul in the legend simply identifies `Lille', but in latin.