Description:
French bronze medal, c.1889
Diameter 33mm
Medal struck to celebrate the centenary of the start of the French Revolution. The obverse features a classical female bust, possibly Marianne, facing left and wearing a headband with the words 'SUFFRAGE UNIVERSELLE'. Flanking the bust are the words 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' and underneath is the name 'Barre', possibly the engraver Jean-Auguste Barre (1811-1896). At the base is the word 'bronze' with the cornucopia, the Privy Mark of the Mint Director of Paris, to the right. The reverse features a radiate star over the words 'CENTENAIRE/ DE/ 1789' within a wreath of oak and laurel tied at the base with a bow. The inscription around the outside reads 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE/ EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE'.