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Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2018 ANA - Sess. A, B, D  14 & 16 Aug 2018
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Lot 20335

Starting price: 600 USD
Price realized: 775 USD
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EGYPT. Silver Medal, AN VII (1798). Paris Mint. PCGS MS-61 Secure Holder.
Lec-4. On Napoleon's conquest of Lower Egypt from 1798-1801. By Brenet. Nile river god reclining with sphinx and putti (by Brenet); Reverse: View of the pyramids in Giza. An amazing French Medal, dated year 7 (1798) to mark the beginning of the Egyptian campaign, and struck after its conclusion in 1801 when Dominique Vivant Denon (named on the medal's reverse) had been appointed as the Louvre's first Director. A RARE medal in silver, this is among the nicer examples we have seen, with blended signs of handling over the deeply toned surfaces, but nothing of major concern. A significant cud appears between 10 and 11 o'clock on the obverse edge and is in part the reason that PCGS has innocently (although incorrectly in medallic terms as this striking is unquestionably contemporary [discussed in greater depth later] to other "originals" and from original dies) labeled this a restrike. The other reason for this characterization, this one adding a great deal of charm to the medal, is the unique (as far as we know) addition of engraving on the edge, expertly accomplished and marking the union of husband and wife on November 15, 1808. This amazing addition not only ties the medal to a union forged over 210 years ago, but also, considering Denon wasn't actually appointed as Director until late 1802, all but proves its manufacture took place within first six years of the die's life. All considered, a magical piece, inextricably tied to a moment in time and depicting one of mankind's most recognizable and lasting achievements. Worthy of a fine cabinet of French or Egyptian medals or just a collection of items that tell a story. PCGS MS-61 Secure Holder.

Estimate: $1000.00- $1500.00
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