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French Bronze Medal: Napoleon’s Accession to the Consulate (18 Brumaire, Year VIII) – Official Monnaie de Paris Restrike

French Bronze Medal: Napoleon’s Accession to the Consulate (18 Brumaire, Year VIII) – Official Monnaie de Paris Restrike

$350.00
SKU:
C1530
Maximum Purchase:
1 unit
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French Bronze Medal: Napoleon’s Accession to the Consulate (18 Brumaire, Year VIII) – Official Monnaie de Paris Restrike

Overview

  • Issuer: Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint)

  • Artist / Medalist: Louis-Michel Petit (signed PETIT INV ET F.)

  • Metal: Bronze

  • Weight: ~74.7 grams

  • Diameter: 51 mm (approx. 2 inches)

  • Condition: Mint Condition (Pristine, uncirculated)

  • Hallmark: Edge stamped with BRONZE and the official Monnaie de Paris cornucopia (horn of plenty) foundry mark.

Description

Offered here is a magnificent, heavy-module French bronze art medal commemorating one of the most pivotal political shifts in modern European history: Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power during the coup d’état of 18 Brumaire, Year VIII (November 9, 1799), which established the French Consulate.

Struck by the prestigious Monnaie de Paris using the original historic dies, this piece embodies the pinnacle of French neoclassical medallic art. Measuring an impressive 51 mm in diameter and weighing nearly 75 grams, it possesses a substantial, museum-quality feel with rich details and a flawless mint-state finish.

Design & Iconography

  • Obverse: Features a sharp, high-relief profile bust of Napoleon Bonaparte depicted in the military uniform of the First Consul, capturing his commanding presence at the dawn of his political ascendancy.

  • Reverse: Depicts a majestic, winged figure of Victory holding a sword and a palm frond, standing beside a seated allegorical figure of Liberty leaning against a detailed trophy of arms.

  • Exergue Inscription: AVENEMENT AU CONSULAT / XVIII BRUMAIRE AN VIII / DE LA REPE FRANCAISE, flanked by the signature of the renowned medalist Louis-Michel Petit (PETIT INV ET F.).

Historical Significance

On November 9–10, 1799 (18–19 Brumaire in the French Republican calendar), General Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the governing French Directory in a bloodless coup. This dramatic political maneuver dissolved the legislature and installed the French Consulate, with Napoleon seizing absolute authority as First Consul. This event effectively closed the chapter on the French Revolution and set the stage for the rise of the Napoleonic Empire. Medals commissioned to commemorate this date served as vital political propaganda and fine art, capturing the regime's monumental self-image.

Authenticity & Collector Note

This is an authentic, official restrike authorized by the French state mint. The edge bears the definitive cornucopia hallmark and BRONZE stamp, guaranteeing its origin from the national mint's historic archives. Maintained in pristine mint condition, this medal is a premier acquisition for collectors of Napoleonic history, military iconography, and fine numismatic art.

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