Summary

Medal Promulgation of the Civil Code, also called Le Code Napoleon, by Nicholas Brenet. Issued by France and minted in Paris, 1804.

Obverse Description

Full length figure of Napoleon in the imperial paludamentum; his head encircled with a laurel wreath, in his right hand he holds the Code Napoleon; around, NAPOLEON EMPEREUR.; in small lettering at sides below, BRENET F. DENON D.

Reverse Description

Full length figure of Minerva with the Napoleon Code in her left hand, and with the right supports herself by her spear; around, EN L'AN XII. LE CODE CIVIL EST DECRETE *; in small lettering near rim. BRENET F. / DENON D.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

"On the 15th January, a New Civil Code, denominated the Code Napoleon, was presented and adopted by the Legislature of France, on which occasion, the French Government ordered that a medal should be struck to perpetuate this epocha. This was executed after the First Consul had abdicated that title and assumed the one of Emperor, as appears by the legend on the obverse. Laskey p.74

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