FRANCE. Exposition Universelle Gold Award Medal, 1878. Paris Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-58.
Maier-65. By J. C. Chaplain. Diameter: 50mm. AGW: 83.28g. Obverse: Laureate head of Ceres left, perimeter legend at left and right; Reverse: Winged Genius of France flying right, holding wreath and trumpet, cherub below flying right holding tablet inscribed to J. B. Clerc, perimeter legend and legend in exergue; Edge: Bee and OR. The 1878 Exposition in Paris was held on a grand scale and was intended showcase France's recovery from the 1870-1 Franco-Prussian War. Germany was the only major country not represented. Jean Baptiste Clerc acquired the Chateau Pape-Clément vineyard in 1858. He enthusiastically introduced improvements, methods from the Médoc region, and new vine stocks. In return for his labors, his renowned vintages won gold medals in 1861, 1864, and at the 1878 and 1889 Paris Expositions. Beautiful Art Nouveau design with some scattered marks likely due to inattentive storage. Historic and attractive.
Estimate: $6000.00- $7000.00