Long time mystery in my collection - I hope someone can shed some light on this medal. 1.5" across, appears to be bronze. Flat rim w/no writing or reeding. One side says "29 SEPT. 1820" Other side is "DIEU NOUS" and "L'A DONNE" and at the bottom "NOS COUERS ET NOS BRAS SONT A LUI" This has been hanging around in my collection since the '70s and I have never been able to find a niche for it. My grandmother was an exec that traveled the world in the 40s (was with first trade delegation to China in 72). God only knows where it came from - well, actually I hope someone here has a clue.
The Medal commemorates " THE BIRTH OF THE MIRACLE CHILD " Sept. 29 1820 Saving the French Monarchy of the time. Other ref. " Two Sicilies " Nice Medal. Do a Google engine search, I'm certain there is quite a bit more information you can find, I don't have time to post any links, I'm off to the Dr's.
First, welcome to the neighborhood! Your medal was executed by Raymond Gayrard who was born at Rodez (Aveyron) October 25, 1777 and died at Paris May 4, 1858. (NOTE: The "F" to the right of his name on your medal is an abbreviation for the Latin word "fecit" which means, "He made it." It is commonly used on many European medals.) Gayrard achieved great success for his extensive works as a sculptor and medallic artist, and in recognition of those achievements, he was knighted by the French government in 1825. Your medal celebrates the birth of the Duke of Bordeaux. (See link below) http://maxentius.lamoneta.it/PagineMedaglie/NascDucaBordeaux.htm The medal appears to have been struck in bronze, possibly copper, but I'm not real sure. It wasn't until 1841 that the French Mint began impressing the "different" (mintmark) and the metal composition on the edge of medals. Chris
WOW - thanks, U guys are sharp on this forum Seriously, I have searched google and years ago altavista (remember that engine?). The link is fantastic - appears my specimin is actually better than the one in the link. So I guess the remaining questions are: Does this need to go to the front of my collection? Is it really worth anything or just a 'franklin mint' kind of relic?
In no way should you equate this with something from the Franklin Mint. I've been collecting 19th century French and other European medals for about 7 years, and in almost all instances, their production numbers are far less than than anything that is produced from modern mints such as FM. Even 500 would be considered a very high number, and most were likely produced in the 100-200 range. Probably the most significant part of their historical value, as it applies to US coinage, is that many of our artists who produced designs for our 18th & 19th century coinage were actually inspired by the allegorical representations created by some of the European masters. Augustus Saint-Gaudens, for one, spent four years studying at the Ecoles des Beaux Arts in Paris. Chris
It's probably worth $35 or so. So, keep it where you can show it to friends from time to time. After all, it is more than 190 years old. Chris
Simply from a perspective that this was, and is considered a major event in french history, owning an original medal that commemorates the event, is priceless. Will it bring you hundreds, thousands or make you a kazillionaire ?......NO !! LOL Value it's history and go to work tomorrow.
Cool - Since I am named after St. Michael, this history only endears me more to this keepsake from my Grandmother. Will keep safe and guarded for another 190yrs - thanks to all for your assistance. -m Off to work, haha
