Summary

Medal Sejour a Osterode, 'Napoleon at Osterode', Issued by France, 1807
Artist: Bertrand Andrieu
Minted by Paris Mint

Obverse Description

Laureate head facing right; around, NAPOLEON A OSTERODE.; below in small letters, ANDRIEU F. / DENON DIRT.

Reverse Description

Bare head facing left; around, FABIUS CUNCTATOR; below in small letters DENON DIRT.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

"The head of Fabius on the reverse evidently alludes in a degree to some part of the events in the life of Napoleon. Q. Maximus Fabius, from a dull and unpromising childhood, burst at once into deeds of valour and heroism, and was gradually raised by merit to the highest offices of the state. In his first consulship he obtained a victory over Liguria, and the fatal battle of Thrasymenus occasioned his election to the Dictatorship; in this important office, he began to oppose Hannibal, not by fighting him in the open field, like his predecessors, but he continually harassed his army by countermarches and ambuscades, for which he received the surname of Cunctator or Delayer. Such operations, for the commander of the Roman armies, gave offence to some, and Fabius was even accused of cowardice. He died in his 100th year, after he had been five times Consul, and twice honoured with a triumph." Laskey p.137-138

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