Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 8019 - Ancient, English, Foreign Coins & Commemorative Medals
Lot: 199

François Billon, 1553, cast bronze medal, bust right, wearing decorated high-collared coat, rev. PENNA ET ARMIS between a pen and a sword, date either side, beaded border, 38mm. (cf. Armand 1II, 287 P), tiny neat hole at top edge, two other small holes on the edge, a very fine contemporary cast, rare Estimate £ 150-200 Armand refers to François Billon as aParisian writer and describes a medal of 37mm. with this obverse, but with a reverse showing an antique scene of several people, which may well be a reference to Billon´s essays. The reverse of this medal would seem to confirm Billon´s status as a writer, as well as an illusion to the pen being equal to, if not mightier than, the sword.

Sold for
£200