Summary

Medal Battle of Marengo, Issued by France, 1800 AD
Artist: Nicholas Guy Antoine Brenet

Minted: Paris Mint

Obverse Description

Bust of Bonaparte, head bare, facing left; around edge, a closed laurel wreath; around within wreath, BONAPARTE PREMIER CONSUL DE LA REP'. FRANCE.; below bust in three lines, BATTAILLE DE MARENGO. / 25 ET 26 PRAIRIAL / AN 8; on bust truncation, BRENET; to right of wreath ribbon, M. AUGUSTE

Reverse Description

Legend in nine lines: LE PREMIER CONSUL / COMMANDANT / L'ARMEE DE RESERVE / EN PERSONNE: / ENFANS / RAPELLEZ-VOUS / QUE MON HABITUDE EST / DE COUCHER SUR LA CHAMP / DE BATTAILLE.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

"The armies had been fourteen hours within musket-shot of each other and wanted rest. Victory wavered on each side four times during the day, and sixty pieces of cannon were alternately won and lost. When the battle ended, the French had taken twelve standards, twenty-six pieces of cannon, and 7000 prisoners. The Austrians lost seven generals, 400 officers, and 8000 men killed or wounded. The French lost Generals Desaix and Watrin killed, four Generals of Brigade wounded, and 3000 men killed, wounded, and prisoners." Laskey p. 36

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