Summary
Heroes of Verdun medal, France, 1916.
Obverse Description
Two female figures, one representing the French Army, the other the French Republic. They stand together, symbolising a united France, fending of the imperial German eagle that wears a crown and brandishes a sword. The eagle is flying towards the town of Verdun, barely visible in the background, but it's path is blocked by the arms of the French Republic and town of Verdun. Text reads 'VERDUN / ON NE PASSE PAS MCMXVI' (Verdun They Shall Not Pass 1916).
Reverse Description
Three medallions at the top section of the medal. The first features a bust of General Petain with his name, the second is General Nivelle, and the third features General Castelnac. Central text reads 'A LA GLOIRE DES HEROES DE VERDUN MCMXVI' is framed by a laurel wreath with a Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor at the base.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 1978
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Date Issued
1916 AD
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Issued By
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Artist
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Inscriptions
Obverse inscription reads: "VERDUN / ON NE PASSE PAS / MCMXVI" (Verdun They Shall Not Pass 1916). Reverse inscription reads: "A / LA GLOIRE / DES HEROES DE / VERDUN / MCMXVI" (The Glory of Heroes Verdun 1916).
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Series
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Material
Bronze
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
69 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round
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References
References: www.karlgoetzmedals.com accessed Aug 2014.
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Keywords