France, Henri IV, Marie de Medici & the Dauphin, a bronze-gilt cast medal by Guillaume Dupré dated 1603, wt. 60.12g

Obv: conjoined busts of Henri IV wearing armour with the Order of the Holy Ghost, and Marie de Medici, HENR.IIII R.CHRIST.MARIA.AVGVSTA around (Henry IV most Christian king, Marie Empress), date on truncation

Rev: Henri IV dressed as Mars in Roman armour, holds pike and clasps Marie's hand, she dressed as Minerva, the Dauphin between tries on his father's helmet, an eagle above the Dauphin holds a crown over him, legend around PROPAGO.IMPERI (the imperial line), date 1603 in exergue.

Diameter: 65mm; Condition: Very fine, onetime pierced and plugged, attractive

References: Jones II/16

Notes: The King was so pleased with this medal that he extended to the medallist privileges that Dupré might benefit financially from its manufacture more than was usual. Although dated 1603, this example could be from as late as the 18th century.

PLEASE NOTE YOU ARE IN THE ARCHIVE SECTION

Medals currently for sale can be accessed via the links at the top and bottom of this page