Historical Objects / Medals

Collection of Tyler Yates

1842 French Railroad Charter

Engraver:
Antoine Bovy
Year:
1842
Country:
France
Diameter:
112.7 mm
Obverse:
Head of Louis Philippe I, crowned with laurel facing left.
LOUIS PHILIPPE I ROI DES FRANÇAISE.
A. BOVY
Reverse:
France seated facing left, right arm outstretched, holding tablet in left hand inscribed CHEMINS/ DE/ FER. A rooster-tipped scepter is behind the tablet. She is sitting on a plinth inscribed LOI DU XI JUIN/ M.D.CCC.XLII./ LOUIS PHILIPPE/ REGNANT. To left, Mercury flying left, holding torch and caduceus. Below him are civilian trains. To right, Mars flying right, holding shield and sword. Below him are military trains.
DANT IGNOTAS MARTI NOVASQUE MERCURIO ALAS
MR TESTE MINSTRE DES TRAVAUX PUBLICS./ MR. LEGRAND SOUS-SECRÉTAIRE D’ETAT.
A. BOVY FECIT.
References:
Collignon 1288

On the edge of the medal: a ship's prow (used 1842-1845) and CUIVRE (copper)

The French law on the establishment of major railway lines (also known as the "Railway Charter"), passed on June 11, 1842. It defined the French railroad system, creating a model of public-private partnership.

The Latin phrase 'DANT IGNOTAS MARTI NOVASQUE MERCURIO ALAS' can be translated as: 'They give unknown wings to Mars and new wings to Mercury.' This phrase may poetically express how the new railroads will transform both warfare (Mars) and commerce/communication (Mercury).

The medal is absolutely massive at over 100mm in diameter and over 10mm thick. It weighs over 620 grams.