NUMISMAGRAM MEDAL SELECTIONS: APRIL 23, 2023

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V26 2023 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 26, Number 17, April 23, 2023, Article 18

Numismagram's Jeremy Bostwick sent these four medals that were among his recent addition of new material to his site. For all of the new items, please visit https://www.numismagram.com/inventory. -Editor

102218 | ITALY & BRITISH EAST INDIES. Pope Leo XIII silver Medal. Issued Year XVII (1894/5). On the founding of the Papal Seminary in British India at Kandy (43mm, 36.04 g, 12h). By F. Bianchi in Rome. LEO XIII PONT MAX AN XVII, bust left, wearing zucchetto, mantum, and pallium / FILII TVI INDIA ADMINISTRI TIBI SALVTIS (your own sons, India, will be the heralds of your salvation), female personification of the Catholic Church seated right, holding cross and observing St. Francis Xavier (Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta), who instructs two natives; façade of the seminary in background; in two lines in exergue, XAVERIO • AVSPICE / ET • PATRONO. Edge: Some scattered marks, otherwise plain. Bartolotti E894; Rinaldi 88. Mint State. Extremely brilliant and prooflike, with some deeper iridescence nearer the peripheries; some scattered hairlines are noted for completeness. An interesting papal issue with a strong East Asian connection. $395.

With the papal encyclical "Ad extremis Orientis oras," Pope Leo XIII wished to build upon the work of the 16th century missionary in early colonial India, St. Francis Xavier (Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta). In 1893, a papal seminary was announced for the region of the British East Indies (India, Burma, and Ceylon), with it being established in Kandy on the island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). The seminary would continue in this location until 1955, when it moved to Pune, India

102079 | GERMANY. Scarcity of Living Space cast bronze Medal. Dated 1921. "Wohnungsnot 1921"—on the scarcity of living space following World War I (58mm, 64.19 g, 12h). By K. Goetz in München. WAS–AUCH HIER NOCH EIN / WOHNRAUM? ("what, yet another living room?"), housing inspector standing facing, opening the door to a bathroom; disgruntled family to right / View of the typical living conditions: triple bunk bed, with each lower bunk shared by two individuals; small child sleeps in the drawers of a chest; a baby is sleeping in a wicker basket under the table; the child standing in the center of the room is urinating into a chamber pot. Edge: Plain. Kienast 280. Mint State. Olive-brown surfaces, with some slight rub upon the high points. $495.

Following the ravages of World War I, the scarcity of living space allowed for a very small amount of square footage per person, and was enforced by inspectors who would record and utilize any surplus space. During this time, three to four families could be crammed into just one apartment, leading to obvious poor conditions and public outcry.

102361 | FRANCE. Finance & Economics gilt copper Medal. Issued 1972. Club Français de la Médaille series (112mm, 12h). By A. Decaris at the Paris mint. Half-length bust of female seated facing slightly right, wearing elaborate, ruffled collar and holding numerous coins; perspective architectural views in background / Implements of science and the arts in the foreground, with representations of industry and energy in the background. Edge: «cornucopia» CUIVRE 1972 ? 254/1000. CG vol. 4, 571. Essentially as Made. A few lightly scattered marks. A powerful and impressive piece indicative of Decaris's pseudo-engraved/etched styling. One of just 750 issued in gilt copper (? 251–1000), with the first 250 struck in silver. $285.

102360 | FRANCE. Celebration of Felines bronze Medal. Issued 1977 (61mm, 128.66 g, 12h). By J. Joachim at the Paris mint. Facing head of cat / AMI DU SOLEIL VENU DE LA NUIT DES TEMPS (a friend of the sun since the dawn of time), cat seated left atop a hissing cobra; in background, shining sun to left, pyramids with stars and crescent moon to right. Edge: 1977 «cornucopia» BRONZE. Gem Mint State. Brassy-orange/light brown surfaces. A great animal type, especially for the lover of felines. $185.

Bastet was a goddess within the Egyptian pantheon, being the daughter of Ra and serving as a goddess of protection, good health, and the home. She was represented as having the head of a cat, hence her affiliation with the domesticated animal.