Owner Comments:
The “Serment Du Rois ‘Je Jure’ medals present an interesting point of contention between the established standard reference (i.e., Mazard) and examples that appear on the market. For instance, the entry immediately before this medal is a nearly exact example which is properly attributed as Maz-244. The presence of the engraver's initials
“D. F.” on the lowest panel of the column paired with the lettered edge makes the attribution undeniably easy to confirm. Unfortunately, the current piece is not as straightforward. A close examination of the pictures confirms that the engraver’s initials are missing, which would indicate that Maz-248 would be the proper attribution; however, Mazard (1960) notes that Maz-248 is only known with a plain edge. The current piece has the same edge lettering as the Maz-244. Mazard (1960) does not list any other varieties that conform to this combination of characteristics. The lack of the engraver’s initials makes for a clear distinction between varieties, but the discrepancy with the edge lettering leaves much to be desired. To this end, we can only make one of two possible conclusions. Mazrd made an error and Maz-248 is supposed to have a letter edge, or the current example is an entirely different hybrid variety that was not recorded by Mazard (1960). The former seems more plausible, as I have been unable to locate a plain edge example that conforms to the specifications of Maz-248, but have amassed several examples that share the same characteristics of the current piece.
The pictures are courtesy of NGC's new PhotoVision Plus Service.
Historical Context: The French Revolution has captivated the interest of countless historians, which has generated an abundance of modern interpretations. Those interested have no doubt had the opportunity to read these works but may not have had a chance to read an unaltered contemporary account of the series of events that transpired. To this end, I present a series of publications from 1791 that provide a glimpse of contemporary analysis from the British perspective. I hope that readers will consider this information in conjunction with the write-ups for other relevant medals in this set. The information below is meant to build upon the information found in the entry immediately before this medal (i.e., the Maz-244 with the lettered edge). ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Derby Mercury
Thursday, September 22 1791
WEDNESDAY’s MAIL.
Postscript.
London, (Tuesday) Sept. 20.
On Wednesday last, the French king went to the National Assembly, and publicly confirmed his letter, by avowing his
ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONSTITUTION, and the presence of an immense multitude of spectators; The ceremony, which was grand and awful, was accompanied by a general discharge of the artillery belonging to the National Guards. In the evening the city was eliminated, the great rejoicings took place. – His Majesty did not appear in the Cordon Bleu, notwithstanding the decree of the assembly; and very graciously observed, that
“he wished not to be distinguished by an external mark of dignity, from the rest of the citizens.”
The French King’s acceptance of the new constitution will be followed by the submission and return of the Refugee Princes. And entire amnesty to all the opponents of the Revolution, and a provision for the Princess suitable to their rank.
If His Majesty too has accepted it with sincerity, he may yet be the great King of a great and free people.
The declaration of the King of France is dexterously worded. Everything that can palpitate his flight, reconcile the inconsistencies of his conduct, and give an air of freedom and sincerity to his present acceptation. Perhaps, indeed, experience of the danger and folly of all attempts to escape may determine him quietly at last, if not quarterly, to submit.
In this situation arts and commerce will flourish, trade revive among them, and the Monarch be divested of some of his worst prerogatives,Lettres de Cachet, the Bastile, and the power of tyrannizing over his subjects.
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Derby Mercury
Thursday, September 22 1791
THURSDAY’s MAIL.
London, (Monday) Sept. 19.
FRENCH KING’S LETTER
TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY,
ACCEPTING –
THE NEW CONSTITUTION.
On Tuesday last, the French king sent the following letter to the National Assembly. It was delivered to the President by the Keeper of the Seals.
Immediately it was announced by the President, and declared to be written with the King's own hand.
“GENTLEMEN,
I have carefully examined the Constitutional Act which I have received from you. I accept it, and we'll take care to have it executed. At any other time, the simple declaration might have been sufficient; but in the present conjuncture, I owe it to the nation, I owe it to myself to declare the motives by which I am influenced.
I had long ago resolved to establish the happiness of the people on a permanent foundation. Shocked at the several abuses which had weakened the springs of Government; alarmed, above all, at the situation of the finances, at the disproportion between the receipts and the expenditure, are resolved at the different parts of Government should be subject to uniform rules. But, convinced that I could not alone attain this great object, I called upon the nation for its assistance.
During the progress of the Revolution, when he began to make Constitutional Decrees, I did not wait till the Constitution should be finished before I gave my assent to them.
I have, by all means and my power, contributed to the consolidation of its parts, even before I was able to judge of it in its whole. And when, during the progress of your labours, I was grieved at the prevalence of disorders, I was still in hopes, that at some time or other, the law would have its full force, and that the people would pay that regard to it which can alone constitute their happiness.
I long entertained these hopes, and my resolution has never relaxed, except at the moment that hope forsook me. Everyone may remember the epoch when I left Paris. At that time opinions instead of being united in a common centre, we're divided among several parties. Every species of disorder, in the licentiousness of the press were then at their height. No authority was respected. It was impossible for me, in the midst of this chaos, to distinguish the real wishes of Frenchman.
Had you at that time presented the Constitution to me, I should not have been of opinion, that the interest of the people would lead me to accept it. And when I quitted Paris, I had but one object in view, that of withdrawing myself from all parties, that I might learn and the most unequivocal manner the sentiments of the nation.
The motives by which I was then guided, exist no longer. You have manifested a disposition of maintaining order, you have revised the Constitution, and you have modified some parts of it which had appeared to me likely to be productive of disagreeable consequences.
You have secured a farther revision of it, according to legal forms. At length, the sentiments of the nation are little longer ambiguous. I have observed that they adhere to the Constitution which you have made. I therefore accept this Constitution; and I take upon me, TO DEFEND IT AGAINST ALL INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENEMIES. I will have it executed by all the means in my power.
Knowing that it was approved by a very great majority of the nation, I declare, that by accepting it, I give up the claim which I formally made, of having a share in this work, and that being responsible to the nation alone, - no one, when I give up this claim, has a right to complain.
I should, notwithstanding, be wanting of regard to truth, if I were not to observe, then I have perceived, as I thought, and some parts of your work, a want of energy, so necessary to give the laws their full force, and to preserve that unity, so necessary, of all the parts of the vast Empire; but, in this case, experience alone must be allowed to decide, and after I shall have caused the execution of those laws with which I am entrusted, the nation will still be enabled to express their sentiments by all the means in their power.
But, Gentlemen, in order to establish Liberty, and to settle the Constitution for the individual security of all Frenchmen, all respective and common interests must unite and restoring order, and in giving to the laws that respect which is due to them. Now that the Constitution is finished all Frenchmen ought to be united we ought to have no other enemies than confusion and anarchy.
I will combat those common enemies. But it is necessary, that those whom persecution has exiled, be sure of being under the protection of the law, whenever they shall return to their country. And, with a view to stifle all kinds of animosities, and to destroy the spirit of party produced by this great Revolution, let us agree to forget all that is past.
Let all those accusations and trials which have originated in the Revolution, be extinguished in a general reconciliation. It is possible that those who have shewn an attachment to my person should appear guilty in your eyes? As for those who through a guilty or imprudent zeal, have drawn upon themselves the severity of the laws, I find that I am for them the King of all Frenchmen.
LOUIS
Sept. 13, 1791.
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P.S. It is my opinion, Gentlemen, that I ought to accept in person, the Constitution in the midst of the Representatives of the nation, and on the same spot whence it was derived its birth. I therefore give you notice that tomorrow at noon, I will be with the Representatives of the nation, with an intention to declare my solemn acceptation of the Constitution.”
It is impossible to describe the tumults of joy that followed the reading of this letter. Mons. De la Fayette made the following motion: - “gentlemen, give me leave to second the wishes of the King, and to make the express motion, that every person either accused or confined in the consequence of the King's departure from Paris, BE SET AT LIBERTY, and that every criminal process against them BE AT END; that the prohibitory law relative to passports and that which concerns immigrantsBE REPEALED; and that the committees of constitution and of criminal jurisprudence be ordered to draw up and to present, to Morrow, a degree to those purposes.”
This motion was adopted by acclamation.
A deputation of 60 members was immediately appointed to testify to the King the satisfaction of the Assembly, and to inform him that they would be ready to receive him tomorrow.
The manner in which Louis XVI. Has signified his acceptance of the Constitutional Act, has had a wonderful effect on the minds of the people.
In a few days the jails will be thrown open; and it is hoped that a general amnesty and oblivion will be followed by the happiness of a people who by their perseverance and exertion seem worthy of that liberty which they are about to enjoy.
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Obverse: The obverse depicts three figures surrounding a central pillar. The front plate of the pillar is adorned with fasces surmounted by a Phrygian and flanked by an oak wreath. The engraver’s initials
D . F. do not appear on the front plate of the base. To the left, and partially behind the pillar appears what I believe to be an allegorical depiction of Liberty wearing a pointed helmet and flowing robes. Her right arm is lowered holding a pike in front of her. Her right arm is completely obscured by a tablet grasped in her left hand. She is gazing to the right of the pillar. This tablet is resting on the top of the pillar and is inscribed
CONSTITUTION in two lines. To the right of the pillar appears King Louis XVI wrapped in decorated robes that flow freely to the ground. A large medallion is affixed to a ribbon that falls across his shoulders and rests on his chest. His right arm is extended outward, and his hand is tracing the writing on the tablet as if he were reading it. His left arm is bent and resting on the hilt of his sword, which seems to disappear within the inner wraps of his robes. His right leg is straight, but his left leg is partially outstretched behind him resting on a slightly higher platform. To this end, the King is stepping down to a platform level with all other figures. Appearing between Liberty and the King is a third figure who is obscured by Louis XVI. I have learned that this is an allegorical figure of Egalité (i.e., equality). Her right is reaching upwards holding a perfectly balanced set of scales. Her gaze is unmissably fixed on the King. This entire scene occurs on a slightly textured foreground that is allowed to extend to the inner ring on both sides but is sharply cut at the bottom to form an exergue. The legend appears above the main device and is closely wrapped around the edge of the inner rim. It reads
JE JURE D’ETRE FIDELE A LA NATION ET A LA LOI. In exergue appears the date,
14 SEPTEMBRE 1791 in two lines. It is worth noting that the “1” of the date is almost entirely obliterated by die rust. Only the upper limb is visible.
Reverse: The reverse design is simple and is divided into two rings that progress in width as they approach the center of the medal. Within the outermost ring of the two appears the legend
MESSAGE DU ROI A L’ASS . NAT: CONSTE . TE PRESID . T G . ME THOURET •. It is important to note that some of this legend appears as superscript. This legend contains a lot of shorthand for what I imagine is “Message du Roi á L’Assemblée National Constituante, Président Jacques Gillaume Thouret”. Within the center of the medal the legend
LE VOEU PEUPLE N’EST PLUS DOUTEUX POUR MOI: J’ACCEPTE LA CONSTITUTION. 13 SEPTEMBRE L’AN III DE LA LIBERTÉ. appears in nine lines. This wording should sound familiar, as it is a loose replication of the words from the King’s letter accepting the Constitution. A large patch of die rust appears to the left of “POUR” in the central reverse legend. The inner ring is incomplete in multiple places – this is likely due to overpolishing of the dies.
Edge: SE. VEND. A. PARIS. CHEZ. MONNERON (PATENTE)
Size: 35mm
Notes: The proper attribution of this medal is further complicated by the fact that the Maz-248 is classified by Mazard (1960) as very rare (R3). Although I have examined dozens of these medals it is possible that a plain edge Maz-248 exists, which would effectively rule out the possibility of a typo in the standard reference. If this is the case, the current medal would be a new previously unrecorded variety that somehow escaped the attention of Mazard. I previously noted, Tungate (2020) records only 612 were struck across all metals and varieties. Examples of Maz-244 are very common and likely make up the vast majority of the 612 purportedly minted. The presence of die rust on the obverse and reverse of the current example is very interesting as it suggests that it may have been struck at a later date after the dies were improperly stored. Oddly, this die rust is not present on the other two examples of this type (i.e., the hybrids between Maz-244 and Maz-248). On any note, these medals provide an intriguing new area of ongoing study.
References:
Mazard, J. (1965) Histoire Monétaire et Numismatique Contemporaine 1790-1963 – Volume 1 1790-1848. Paris: Émile Bourgey.
Tungate, S. (2020) Matthew Boulton and The Soho Mint: copper to customer. Worcestershire: Brewin Books.