~38.25mm X ~2.3mm; ~25grams. Obverse: Semi-Nude Woman holding Banner Aloft; PRAEMIA VICTRICIS; Bundled Foliage. Reverse: Oak Leaf Wreath, Tied at Bottom
Award medals such as this can be inscribed (engraved) on the reverse or in some cases, the inscription is made part of the die like the one below. But, what is interesting about your medal is that the exergue on the obverse is displayed as the banner that the woman is holding over her head. Normally, the exergue is shown below the design. This is the space that is used for the award winner's name. Chris
A new word! The exergue, in this case, appears to be niggardly small...so perhaps just symbolic, as there is all that available space in the wreath for a name or such. Interesting to note, so soon after the end of WWI, the use of French & German together on your example. Thanks! wlw PS: Or is it Belgian?
The blank reverse of your medal is very common, and was often left that way on the reverse dies as a way of saving money (scrimping!) related to the production of some medals. I have numerous examples left in the same manner by the Paris Mint and others that were engraved by the award winner at their own expense. The Paris Mint often maintained ownership of the dies, and it was quite common for them to use the (blank) reverse dies paired with other obverse dies. No offense intended, but your medal is not executed in the best fashion. It is rather crudely designed. Even the wreath on the reverse could have been improved. Compare it to the wreath on the Gent medal. Perhaps it was left unsigned because it was created by a student in training. This could also account for the positioning and design of the exergue. The Belgian and German languages have always been similar because of the commonality of their ethnic backgrounds long before the World Wars occurred. Chris
Thanks for your candor...no offense taken. As with some of the coins I have inherited, 19th C mostly, there are a fair number of fakes...and they are readily spotted as such by the crudeness of their workmanship; my disappointment is small, anymore. wlw
