Summary

Portrait medal of Jean Sylvain Bailly (1736-1793) by Jean Montagny. One of the Galerie Metallique des Grand Hommes Francais series. Minted in Paris, 1821.

Obverse Description

Draped bust facing right; around, J. SYLVAIN BAILLY.; belown in smaller lettering the artist's name, MONTAGNY F.

Reverse Description

Legend in eight lines: NE / A PARIS / EN M.DCC.XXXVI. / MORT / EN M.DCC.XCIII. / GALERIE METALLIQUE / DES GRAND HOMMES FRANCAIS. / 1821.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

French astronomer, mathematician. Correctly calculated the appearance of Halley's Comet for 1759. The lunar crater Bailly was named in his honour. First mayor of Paris 15 July 1789 (the day after the stroming of the Bastille) until 16 Nov. 1791

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