446A

Belgium, 1885 Antwerp Universal Exposition Bronze Medal

Currency:CAD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:10.00 CAD Estimated At:40.00 - 60.00 CAD
Belgium, 1885 Antwerp Universal Exposition Bronze Medal
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"Belgium, 1885 Universal Exposition, Antwerp, Gilt-Copper Medal. Created by the renowned Belgian and European medalist Charles Wiener, this medal showcases the period’s beautiful, artistic craftsmanship. The obverse depicts a bust of King Leopold II of Belgium facing right, with the legend around the upper rim portion reading “LEOPOLD II • ROI • DES • BELGES • PROTECTEUR • DE • L’EXPOSITION” and CH. WIENER. BRUXELLES along the bottom of the rim. The reverse depicts a beautifully designed allegory of art, music, and industry. On the left, a half-naked young woman sits on a globe holding a trumpet, while on the right, a nearly naked young boy holds a branch and a wreath of flowers, surrounded by objects and symbols of art, industry, and transportation. Around the top rim reads “EXPOSITION • UNIVERSELLE • ANVERS • 1885” and the artist’s signature “CHARLES WIENER” along the bottom of the rim. Both the obverse and reverse display toasted light brown-orangey gold patina tones, while the high points of the King’s bust on the obverse show a touch of wear along the beard, hair, eyebrow, and ear. On the reverse, lighter wear is visible on the allegorical figure, the boy, and other high points. Along the inscription rims, original golden colour still exists and adds a sense of originality to the piece. Dark spots appear on both sides of the metal, with traces of old cleaning/polishing residue visible in the creases of the King’s face and the allegorical figure. Overall, a very nice example of a famous European exhibition medal from the latter half of the 19th century. Unfortunately, the exact mintage of this medal is unknown. Specifications: Diameter: 62mm, Weight: 103.5g, Composition: gilt-copper, Edge: Plain.
About the 1885 UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, ANTWERP:
The Exposition Internationale d'Anvers was held in Antwerp, Belgium, between May 2 and November 2, 1885, and opened with King Leopold II and Queen Marie-Henriette (who were also celebrating 20 years on the Belgian throne). The fair covered 54.3 acres and attracted over 3.5 million visitors. Twenty-five nations officially participated, including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, the Kingdom of Romania, the United States, and several South American nations. According to the Brussels Times, the 1885 Exhibition marked the first time a simulated “Congolese village” (human zoo exhibit) was displayed at a world’s fair, coinciding with the formal international recognition of the Congo Free State under Leopold II that same year.
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