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Offered is an original French silver agricultural medal dated 1867, issued by the Société d’Agriculture des Ardennes and attributed to Rethel. This is a substantial 19th-century agricultural award medal, struck in silver and intended to recognize excellence in agricultural achievement.
The obverse depicts traditional farming implements beneath a prominently bound sheaf of wheat, a classic symbol of productivity and rural prosperity. The reverse is enclosed by an oak wreath and features an engraved award inscription dated 1867, giving the piece both historical context and period authenticity.
This medal is not legal tender, but a true numismatic medal/token of the Second Empire era. It is struck in silver, bears a French silver edge mark, and weighs approximately 37 grams, making it a notably heavy and impressive piece in hand. At approximately 42 mm in diameter, it far exceeds the size and presence of standard circulating coinage of the period (see comparison photos).
Specifications
• Country: France
• Date: 1867
• Composition: Silver
• Type: Agricultural medal / token (not legal tender)
• Diameter: ~42 mm
• Weight: ~37 grams
• Attribution: Société d’Agriculture des Ardennes, Rethel
• Edge: French silver edge mark present
Condition
Original antique medal with evidence of past cleaning and light polishing, visible as fine surface hairlines under direct light. These marks are subtle and can be difficult to fully capture in photographs, but are visible upon close inspection. Minor edge nicks are also present. Despite this, the medal retains strong detail, clear legends, and solid overall eye appeal for a 19th-century silver issue. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
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Why This Medal Matters
French agricultural medals from the mid-19th century represent a period when regional agricultural societies played a major role in improving farming practices and rural economies. This example combines dated attribution, regional specificity, silver composition, and large format, making it desirable to collectors of French medals, agricultural history, and 1800s silver tokens.
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Shipping
• $4.99 flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage
• Free combined shipping on all additional purchases
Packaged securely for safe delivery.
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