Louis XIII cast-bronze "French Victory over Spain & Duke of Savoy" Medal 1630, Jones (II)-182/185, Rouhette-Tuzio-96/97. 75mm. 134.17gm. By Jean Warin. A spectacular early casting that is actually a mule of two different Warin Medals created in 1630 to celebrate France's military prowess. The obverse displays an absolutely superb rendition of Louis XIII, created originally as a uniface emission. The reverse design was initially intended for a Medal of similar commemoration but was paired with an obverse bust of Cardinal Richelieu, who served as Louis XIII's Chief Minister, credited for his policies that helped enable France's latest victory. This is the finest casting we have seen for this Medal (or the Richelieu version for that matter), showing practically no granularity, nearly fully-realized high-relief detail, and smooth and glossy mahogany patina. An incredible and rare find for the French or Renaissance Medal specialist. Accompanied by a later case. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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