Louis XIV left the urban planning of Paris in the capable hands of his minister of finance, Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Colbert recognized the symbolic importance of maintaining the largest city in France and worked tirelessly to improve its infrastructure. This medal commemorates his efforts and highlights the Porte Saint-Martin, built in 1674 to honor the Sun King’s victory in the Rhine and in Franche-Comté. Translation from the Medailles sur les principaux evenements du regne entier de Louis le Grand, pg. 115: The Embellishment and Expansion of Paris, 1670 While the King contemplated his greatest plans, he did not turn his attention to what could embellish the Capital of his Kingdom. The streets were redoubled, new quays were constructed, and the number of fountains increased for public convenience. But what is more beautiful and greater still is the continuation of the rampart started by Henry II. This rampart, which only went from the edge of the Seine near the Arsenal to the Porte Saint Antoine, now embraces half of the city, of which one has significantly extended the reach, and goes back to the river below the Tuilleries. It is of a prodigious breadth, and almost entirely covered with stone, and planted with elms forming long alleys, and a pleasant shade. The city gates, which lie along this rampart, have been transformed into so many Arcs de Triomphe. This is the subject of this Medal: The Porte Saint-Martin is represented and Porte Saint Denis, in the state in which they are now. The city of Paris is in the middle under the figure of a woman with a crown. She carries in one hand an armed Ship; and next to her there is a cornucopia, symbol of the happiness of the people. A bit lower one sees the River Seine. The words of the Legend, “ORNATA ET AMPLIFICATA URBE,” means, “Paris embellished and increased.” The Exergue marks the date 1670.