Gold-Covered Louis XIV (b. 1638, r. 1643–1715), Paris, France

Jean Varin or Warin (6 February 1604 Liège – 26 August 1672 Paris) was a French sculptor and engraver who made important innovations in the process of minting coins. He was one of the top French medallists and engravers of coin-dies of the 17th century and was one of the four engravers at the Mint of the Louvre cutting dies for the ecus and subdivisions with the portrait of Louis XIII. Born in Liège, Varin moved to Paris in 1626. After demonstrating talent as an engraver, he obtained the support of Cardinal Richelieu and in 1647 was appointed head of the French mint. Varin brought back the use of the screw press in the mint and used it to produce the Louis d'or, a gold coin featuring a portrait of Louis XIII. In 1665, he was made a member of the Académie de peinture et de sculpture. Cardinal Richelieu medal (collection cover image) The back of the medals depicts an angel beside the stars around the earth. This presents Cardinal Richelieu as the director of the revolution of the planets around the world. Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu et de Fronsac, 1585-1642 was a French cardinal, politician, statesman, and Chief Minister to Louis XIII. Marie de Medici (1573-1642), the mother of Louis XIII, believed him talented and had him appointed Secretary of State for War and Foreign Affairs.