Summary

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

Obverse Description

Standing full length figure of Napoleon wearing ancient clothing, head laureate, facing left, in his right hand he holds the Code Napoleon; around; NAPOLEON EMPEREUR; below in small letters BRENET F. DENON D.

Reverse Description

The Minerva of Velletre, standing facing right, she holds the Code in her right hand; around, EN L'AN XII. LE CODE CIVIL EST DECRETE *; at lower right in small lettering, 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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