Medal for Art and Science "BENE MERENTIBVS", Type I, in Gold, Large

SKU: 02.SXK.0130.101.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Medal for Art and Science "BENE MERENTIBVS", Type I, in Gold, Large Obverse

Attributes

  • country
    Germany
  • date of institution
    1808
  • remarks
    The German name of the award is ‘Große goldene Medaille Bene merentibus’.

Physical Description


A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of gold. The obverse features the right-facing head of King Friedrich August with tied long hair, with the circular inscription ‘FRIDERICUS AUGUSTUS D. G. REX SAXON. DUX VARSA.’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘HOECKNER F.’. The reverse features a left-facing winged woman sitting on a rock, holding a laurel wreath in her extended right hand and a spear in her left hand, with the semi-circular inscription ‘BENE MERENTIBUS’ (‘for good service’) at the top. On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon with white side stripes.

History


The Bene Merentibus Medal was instituted in 1808, and was awarded for good service.

In 1910, the Bene Merentibus Medal came under the Virtuti et Ingenio Medal for Arts and Science. The obverse features a portrait of the ruling king. The reverse features Pallas Athene, seated, holding a laurel wreath. She is the goddess of wisdom and the protector of art.

There have been no major awards conferred since 1902. In 1913, the chancellery determined that when someone was awarded with a high ranking Virtuti et Ingenio medal, a previously awarded Bene Merentibus medal should be returned.

The Type I Medal (1808-1827) features the portrait of King Friedrich August. It is stamped with the die cutter's name, Hoeckner F.

The Large Gold Medal was made of 16 ducats. A total of eight were awarded.

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Versions

  • Price

    $5,000 USD

  • Composition

    Gold

  • Inscription

    Obv: FRIDERICUS AUGUSTUS D.G. REX SAXON DUX VARSA Rev: BENE MERENTIBVS

  • Size

    48mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    Eight were awarded.

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