Historical Objects / Medals

Collection of Tyler Yates

The 1000th Anniversary of the Founding of Norway

Engraver:
Harald Conradsen
Year:
1872
Country:
Norway
Diameter:
53 mm
Obverse:
A woman wearing chain mail, a belt, a cloak, and a helmet sits on a rock. The woman is facing right and holds a spear in her right hand resting the spear on her right shoulder. In her left hand she clutches a shield bearing the coat of arms of Norway (a standing lion holding an axe).
TEMPORI SUPERSTES
M ANNI
MIDDELTHUN. INV.
CONRADSEN. SCULP.
MDCCCLXXII
Reverse:
Inscription in 5 lines enclosed by a wreath.
REGNI NORVEGICI ANNUM MILLESIMUM PIA CELEBRAT UNIVERSITAS REGIA FREDERICIANA
References:
Jaarboek van de Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen gevestigd te Amsterdam voor 1888 p. 134

Norway celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 1872. The Royal Frederick University (now known as the University of Oslo) commissioned the famous medallist Harald Conradsen to make this medal. The model for the medal was made by sculptor Julius Olavius ​​Middelthun (1820-1886). Middelthun was one of the foremost sculptors of his time.

The University gave the medal to officials and other people, often who in some way contributed to research of Norwegian history. The American Philosophical Society received a copy in their meeting on September 19, 1873.

In total, 45 copies were made of silver and 400 copies were made of bronze. One copy was made of gold and given to King Oscar II.