Loss of RBG is final nail in Democracy's coffin
Ben Franklin, Humanitarian Award, France, 1833

Owner Comments:

Medal, 1833, Bz, FRANKLIN and MONTYON HUMANITARIAN AWARD MEDAL, FULD FR.M.SO.3, NGC MS63BN, Cert# 2554805-003. Bronze Benjamin Franklin Medal Struck in France, Designed by Jean-Jacques Barre. Issued by the (French) Montyon and Franklin Society. Size: 42mm. Plain edge medal (original, not a restrike) was issued by the "Societe Montyon et Franklin Pour Les Portraits Des Hommes Utiles," which is, roughly translated, the Montyon and Franklin Society for Portraits of Useful Individuals. The obverse has Conjoined busts of Franklin and Montyon facing left, below which is the signature of the famous French engraver, "Barre." This medal was apparently made to award to those who had benefited humanity in some way. Obverse: Conjoined busts of Abbé Montyon, Genius of Benevolence & Benjamin Franklin Benevolence of Genius. Reverse: Association for Propagation of the history of Benefactors of Humanity. Reverse: Les Souscripteurs Accocies Pour Propager L'Histoire des Bienfaiteurs de L' Humanite 1833, in seven lines withing a wreath of two branches of oak, around which, "Societe Montyon et Franklin pour les Portraits des Hommes Utiles"; at bottom, a star. Bibliography: see Blanchet p197, vol. 3; Forrer p131, Vol 1; Collignon1 1079. Medallist: Jacques-Jean BARRE (1793-1855). French medallist, coin and seal engraver. He studied under Tiolier and exhibited at the Salon from 1819. A prolific medallist, he also engraved plates for banknotes. Mint Marks used at the PARIS Mint: Plain Edge: All medals before March 30th 1832 have plain edges. Bronze & Copper are plain edged before 1841.