Summary

Commemorative Medal issued to celebrate the the Extinguishment of Scheldt Dues, in Belgium, 1863. Designed by Leopold Weiner.

Obverse Description

Bare head facing left; around, LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES

Reverse Description

Female figure holding trident arriving on ship and being greeted, River god Scheldt below

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The United States of America and His Majesty the King of the Belgians. equally desirous of liberating forever the navigation of the Scheldt(1) from, the dues which encumber it, to assure the reformation of the maritime taxes levied in Belgium, and to facilitate thereby the development of trade and navigation, have resolved to conclude a treaty to complete the convention signed on the 20th of May, 1863, between the United States and Belgium, and have appointed as their Plenipotentiaries, namely:

The President of the United States of America, Henry Shelton Sanford, a citizen of the United States, their Minister Resident to His Majesty the King of the Belgians; and His Majesty the King of the Belgians, Mr. Charles Rogier, Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold, decorated with the Iron Cross, &c., &c., &c., his Minister of Foreign Affairs;

Full details: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/bel004.asp

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