Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
May 2023 World CCO Auction 16-19 May 2023
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
FRANCE. France - Germany. Execution of Louis XVI Pewter Medal, 1793. FINE Details--Tooled.
Diameter: 52mm; Weight: 28.82 gms. Obverse: KOENIGS TOD (the king's death), scene with the guillotine in Revolution Square, with the king on his knees, head forward; attendants around; empty carriage at base; dove descends from above; Reverse: KOENIGS FAMILIE (king's family), scene with the king and queen (Marie Antoinette) advancing right in shrouds, along with the dauphine; from cloudy sky above, cornucopia emptying coins downward; BARIS (error of Paris) in exergue. Edge: Some minor marks, otherwise plain. Numerous cleaning marks and light scratches. A VERY RARE and powerful statement on the regicide of the French Revolution, and done in a very basic, sketch-like manner.
Diameter: 52mm; Weight: 28.82 gms. Obverse: KOENIGS TOD (the king's death), scene with the guillotine in Revolution Square, with the king on his knees, head forward; attendants around; empty carriage at base; dove descends from above; Reverse: KOENIGS FAMILIE (king's family), scene with the king and queen (Marie Antoinette) advancing right in shrouds, along with the dauphine; from cloudy sky above, cornucopia emptying coins downward; BARIS (error of Paris) in exergue. Edge: Some minor marks, otherwise plain. Numerous cleaning marks and light scratches. A VERY RARE and powerful statement on the regicide of the French Revolution, and done in a very basic, sketch-like manner.
The execution of Louis XVI was an inflection point in European politics, coming just after America's successful pursuit of independence from a colonial power. Other realms, such as the various principalities in what is now Germany as well as the United Kingdom had strong views opposed to the treatment of the royals, with medals such as this indicative of many sentiments in the former.
Estimate: $150 - $300