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France - 1810

Maron, pasteur calviniste

Obverse:

Head of Napoleon, laureated.

Legend:

NAPOLEON EMPEREUR ET ROI.

Exergue:

DROZ F.

Size:

32 mm.

Reverse:

A central device with calligraphic initials, probably 'PHM'. The left branch appears to be laurel and the right oak (the acorns are clearly visible). Beneath the bow is the Legion of Honor and on top of the initials an oil lamp.

Vern's Comments:

This is one of the most beautiful medals I've ever seen. On the obverse there is a wonderful little touch at each of the corners, a small bee, Napoleon's personal symbol. The reverse has a unified beauty that is difficult to describe. David Block helped identify it and said:

"PHM is P.H. Marron, president of the Consistorium in Paris. In the 1840 mint list he is called Pasteur Marron, so I suppose this was a jeton de presence for some church group."

If you look carefully you can see the bees I mentioned. These little guys are about 2mm long. Under the loupe they clearly have a head, a striped body and two distinct wings.

In the scan you can see the head of Napoleon on the Legion of Honor itself. The oil lamp has a small flame at its tip.

d'Essling:

d'Essling - 2845
MARON, pasteur calviniste et président du Consistoire à Paris, 1754-1832 (Droz, 1810).

Buste de Nap. lauré à g. ou à dr.

R. Cartouche ovale à son monogramme entouré d'une branche d'olivier et de chêne.

Au-dessus lampe antique; au-dessus croix de la Légion d'honneur.

(T. 46.7 - B. 1061) Br. octog. 33 mm.

Maron, pasteur calviniste