HORNREICH COLLECTION of World and U.S. Historical Medals Including So-Called Dollars
France Silvered Bz Plaquette Universal Expo by Roty 1900

Owner Comments:

Medal, Plaquette, 1900, Silvered Bronze, France. UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION, PARIS 1900. Size: 36x51mm silvered bronze, by Roty. Jones 327. Often included in Olympic collections, and also commemorates the turn of the century. Obverse: Nude male angel, Genius, representing Time (and the new century), receiving a torch from an expiring robed female, representing the 19th Century passing. Rev: a laurel spray in clouds, and below, a view of the fairgrounds, featuring Grand Palais and Petit Palais (still Parisian landmarks). The first medal for the new century, and maybe the prettiest The Olympic games were held at the Exposition, and this piece is often included in Olympics collections. Roty was paid 10,000 Francs (about $2000) for his work. The Mint exhibit sold about 30,000 examples, nearly all in silvered bronze. Bronze examples are somewhat rare and sell for multiples of the silvered-bronze price. One reason is that condition is a concern; the plated pieces are prone to acquire patches of uneven patina and rarely tone attractively. This piece has nice color. Purchased in France.