Watch List notes:

European Medals from 1513 to 1788

Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Medal (Silver, 49mm, 44.19 g 12), on the interception and eventual publication (by Councilor Paats of Rotterdam) of the correspondence of Jean-Antoine de Mesmes, Comte d'Avaux (1640-1709), who was the French Ambassador to the Dutch Republic from 1679 to 1688, 1684. DISCORDIA RES MAXIMÆ DILABUNTUR (=discord is the ruin of the strongest states) View of a boat, on a stormy sea, in danger of crashing against a rock while the crew fights amongst themselves; on the shore to left, liberty cap atop a swaying pole; in exergue: DA NOBIS PACEM IN / DIEBUS NOSTRIS (=give us peace in our days). Rev. DE NIHILO NIHIL FIT, NEC DICITUR (=about nothing, nothing can be done or said) Line of rope from which hang all manner of leaflets and letters; in the field, AMICUS PLATO. / AMICUS SOCRA= / TES.SED MAGIS/ AMICA VERITAS. / 1684 (=Friend of Plato, Friend of Socrates. But an even greater friend to Truth). TMNK 01011. Van Loon III, p. 289. Very rare. Attractive, interesting and beautifully toned. Good extremely fine.

This medal recalls a curious affair that exploded after the interception and publication of some highly confidential letters that had been sent by the French Ambassador to the Hague to Louis XIV. These concerned some secret actions of the Amsterdam government that were contrary to the Republic's policy. In the end it was decided that the really embarrassing letters should not be published (in the interest of unity) and the scandal blew over.