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Offered here is a rare French silver jeton issued for the Académie Royale des Sciences et des Arts de Bordeaux — the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bordeaux.
This piece dates to the 1832–1841 period, identified by the antique lamp hallmark noted on the edge. Academic and learned-society jetons are a desirable area of French exonumia, especially examples with strong symbolic designs like this beehive motif.
The obverse features a detailed beehive surrounded by flowers and bees, with the legend:
UTILE DULCI
This Latin phrase comes from Horace and translates roughly to “the useful with the agreeable.” The motto fits the purpose of an academy dedicated to knowledge, science, literature, and the arts.
The beehive is a classic symbol of industry, cooperation, productivity, and organized intellectual labor, making it especially fitting for an academic institution.
The reverse bears the inscription:
ACADEMIA REGIA
SCIENTIARUM
ET ARTIUM
BURDIGALENSIS
This identifies the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bordeaux. Two palm branches appear below the inscription.
This example shows strong detail in the beehive, flowers, bees, lettering, and reverse branches. The surfaces are bright silver-gray with darker toning in recessed areas, giving the design attractive contrast. Please note that polishing marks are visible under magnification. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
Specifications:
Country: France
City: Bordeaux
Institution: Académie Royale des Sciences et des Arts de Bordeaux
Date Range: 1832–1841
Composition: Silver
Weight: 9.46 grams
Diameter: 31.05 mm
Edge: Reeded
Hallmark: Antique lamp hallmark
Reference: Feuardent 9204 / Carde 776 variant
Type: Silver academic jeton / token
Century: 1800s
A rare and visually striking French silver academic jeton with a beautiful beehive design, strong historical symbolism, and excellent appeal for collectors of French exonumia, scientific society medals, and antique silver tokens.
Shipping: $4.99 via USPS Ground Advantage.
Combined Shipping: Free combined shipping on all additional purchases.
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