A medal, or medallion, is defined
as a small, flat and round or oval, piece of metal that has been sculpted,
molded, cast, struck, stamped, or some way marked with an
insignia, portrait, or other artistic rendering.
Medals may also be created for sale to commemorate particular individuals or events, or as works of artistic expression in their own right. In the past medals commissioned for an individual, typically with his portrait, were often used as a form of diplomatic or personal gift, with no sense of being an award for the conduct of the recipient.
The first known instance of a medal being awarded comes from the historian Josephus who, writing long after the event, accounts that in the fourth century BCE the High Priest Jonathan led the Hebrews in aid of Alexander the Great, and that in return for this, Alexander "sent to Jonathan... honorary awards, as a golden button, which it is custom to give the king's kinsmen."
The Roman emperors used both military awards of medals, and political gifts of medallions that were like very large coins, usually in gold or silver, and die-struck like coins. Both these and actual gold coins were often set as pieces of jewellery, worn by both sexes.
The bracteate is a type of thin gold medal, usually plain on the reverse, found in Northern Europe from the Dark Ages.They often have suspension loops and were clearly intended to be worn on a chain as jewellery.
They imitate, at a distance, Roman imperial coins and medallions, but have the heads of gods, animals, or other designs.
We also deal in British and World medals and medalions, including British War Medals, Campaign Medals, Decorations & Orders and Gold & Silver Commemorative Medallions.
For valuations please visit our Central London shop or telephone us on: 020 7836 0631 or 020 7240 0479
