Premium MDC Monnaies de Collection
1807
-
FRANCE - FRANCE
See original version (French)
1807
-
FRANCE - FRANCE
See original version (French)
Estimate €50,000
Voluntary lot
Description
FRANCE - FRANCE
Charles X (1824–1830). Gold medal commemorating the King’s coronation, struck for the ambassadors in attendance, by Gatteaux and Barre, Special Strike (SP) 1825, Paris.
Obverse: CAROLUS. X. REX. – CHRISTIANISSIMUS. Bust of the King facing right, crowned, wearing an ermine cloak, an embroidered cravat and the Grand Collar of the Order of the Holy Spirit; below, the signature E. GATTEAUX.
Reverse: REX. CAROLUS. COELESTI. OLEO. UNCTUS. Scene of the King’s anointing, the King kneeling on the right before the Archbishop, surrounded by six Peers of France and a servant; in the exergue, in six lines: ADSTANTIBUS. FRANCIAE. PARIBUS/ REGIONUMQUE. DELECTIS. SUMMIS. LEGUM/ ADMINISTRIS. EXERCIT. PROCERIBUS/ GENTIUM. EXTERAR. LEGATIS./ REMIS. XXIX. MAII/ MDCCCXXV and signature BARRE Ft. - DE PUYMAURIN N. P.
Collignon 453 - Sombart 85b; Gold - 307.75 g - 68 mm
With the edge inscription: * THE KING TO SIDI MAHMOUD, ENVOY OF THE BEY OF TUNIS.
PCGS SP Genuine Repaired-UNC Details (56909957).
A tiny hole in the ‘A’ of CAROLUS. Trace of a trial strike on the plinth on the reverse and a very slight chip on the rim at 6.30 on the reverse. The fields are slightly brushed and covered with a pleasant golden patina. Extremely rare and of museum interest (see comment below). Superb, in mint condition.
The reception of ambassadors and distinguished envoys for the coronation of King Charles X in 1825 in Reims was followed by numerous exchanges of gifts, as was customary. The gifts provided by France consisted of Sèvres vases, tapestries and other works of art. The production of gold medals was organised according to rank: the most important figures received 76 mm medals (weighing over 450 grams of gold), several of which are known: Ambassador Oriola of Portugal – who was also the King’s cousin – in a private collection; Granville, the British envoy (on loan to the Musée de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris); Esterhazy, the Austrian envoy (Hungarian National Museum); the Duke of Northumberland (the medal is said to remain in the family’s possession), whilst two other medals of this significance have not been located: those awarded to Prince Volkonsky for Russia and to the Duke of Villahermosa for Spain. Furthermore, the second-class medals weighed approximately 300 grams and had a diameter of 68 mm, such as our example for the envoy of the Bey of Tunis or Charles, Baron of Werther, for Prussia (Künker Sale 352, lot 1209). These medals were presented in red morocco leather cases and skilfully engraved on the edge with the names of their recipients. These were followed by other medals of a lower rank, such as that intended for deputies from the French regions (see MDC 10 no. 652), featuring the King standing face-on. Finally, R. Gayrard also received a commission for three medals of different sizes, featuring the King’s bareheaded profile facing left on the obverse and various reverses (50 mm – the anointing / 41 mm – the coronation / 35 mm – the seated King), struck in gold, silver and bronze, plus various small medals which were thrown to the crowd gathered in front of the cathedral
* Pursuant to Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022, which comes into force in national law on 1 January 2025, buyers from within the EU must pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.
* Pursuant to Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022, which comes into force in national law on 1 January 2025, EU buyers must also pay 5.5% VAT on this lot
https://d10dakqizeg4uw.cloudfront.net/VAE19/1807.mp4
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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