I'm finding my drawn more and more to medals. These are all 3 recent editions with historically significant themes. All 3 are hefty pieces. #1 Commemorates Viking I. It fits nicely in my space-themed collection. 134 grams of .999 silver. Made by the Medallic Art Company. I have several related ones in bronze but this is my first in silver. #2 Is a piece commemorating Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson River. I also collect pieces related to the Hudson-Fulton Celebration. This is related but not an exposition piece. At 35.6 grams and 40mm it is the smallest of the 3. #3 Bronze medal for the 50th Anniversary of the Union Miniere de Haut-Katanga by G.A. Brenet. It is 85mm and 238.6 grams. I honestly just bought it because I had never seen one before and, well, I just like it.
If you find French medals of interest to you, you may want to browse through these French eBay listings. There are a lot of silver medals (argent) available as well as the works of some of the most renowned 19th century medalists. https://www.ebay.fr/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=medaille+argent&_ipg=200&rt=nc ~ Chris
3 inch US Mint medals can manytimes be had for a song on ebay. Medals are a fun sideline of coin collecting. I dibble dabble at times. Even 'Americas First Medals' can spark a bit of interest.
I've noticed that. Most times they can be had for below original issue price. Some are nice, I buy the ones that I like.
Medals are the highest form of numismatic art. Collectors who love art love medals. Medals give an artist-sculptor freedom that circulating coinage doesn't offer. He isn't restrained by size, subject matter, depth of relief or style. Pictured below are some of my favorite medals, some of which have been posted before Pan-American Conference of 1901, Mexico City Mint, Bronze: 65.59 gm, 60 mm. Engraver: E. Moral, Designer: E. Alciate. Medal Commemorating 400 Years of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, 1947. Mexico City Mint, Silver: 45 mm, 57.8 gm. Mintage: 123 pieces. Mexico City Mint, Silver: 26.38 gm, 39 mm, Mintage 400 pieces. The obverse of this medal depicts a famous Mayan ball court marker in the National Museum of Mexico City. It is the highest graded example I'm aware of, & thus RARE, Paris Mint, 1888, Medal awarded to Henry Meilhac by the French Institute. Silver: 65.08 gm, 50 mm. Designer Rambert Dumarest (1750-1806). The obverse depicts the goddess Athena in Neo-Classical style. Paris Mint, Libertas Americana Medal of 1781 (restrike of 2000). Gold: 45.86 mm, 64 gm, fineness .920, Mintage 500 pieces. Benjamin Franklin assisted in the design of this famous medal that was engraved by Augustin Dupre'.
Over the last few years, I have added a wide variety. BAVARIA: Luitpold, as Prince Regent, 1886-1912, AR medal 1901 Weight: 19.67g Diameter:32mm Silver medal for the 80th Birthday of Prince Regent Luitpold by Lauer, uniformed bust left with cloak and LUITPOLD PRINZREGENT VON BAYERN around // crowned arms with two supporting crowned lions standing on branches with 12.MÄRZ 1901 above and ZUM / 80ten / GEBURTSTAGE at bottom, prooflike, Edge: logo with "0,900" Wilhelm II bronze "Count Von Zeppelin Berlin Flight" Kienast-47. by K. Goetz. Issued for the long-distance trips of the Zeppelin airships. Obverse: GRAF FERDINAND VON ZEPPELIN His bust facing, head half to right Reverse: Airship in clouds with rising sun flying right, above nude child seated inscribing commemorative plaque. Diameter:65 Weight: 128.8 Pedro II Santa Casa Hospital bronze Medal 1840, by Azevedo Forer I:96, Calcavanti-128. 48mm. Young portrait of Pedro II in military attire. Rev. Image of the new hospital. Issued to commemorate the laying of the cornerstone for the new hospital. Rich chocolate-brown toning, with bold high relief and surfaces displaying only minor marks.
First, welcome to the neighborhood! This medal isn't from Mexico, but it does acknowledge the historical importance of the Mexican people in the Southwest US. 1960 - 350th Anniversary of Santa Fe, 63mm
