AUSTRIA. Death of Gerald von Swieten Silver Medal, 1772. NGC MS-62.
Montenuovo-2038. By Anton Franz Wideman. Diameter: 48.5mm. Weight: 43.6 g. Obverse: Bust of von Swieten facing right, perimeter legend GER . L . B . V . SWIETEN ORD . S . STEP . COM . A . CON . AVL . ARCH . COBIB . PR. above; signature A . WIDEMAN below bust; Reverse: Funerary monument with bust of Swieten on a plinth at center, cherubs to left and right, arms below plinth, inscription M. THERESA AVG / MEMORIAE / GER.LB.V.SWIETE / NAT 7 MAY . 1700 / + 18 . IVN . 1772 below arms; perimeter legend OB DOCTRINAM ET INTEGRITATEM. A precocious student, Gerald von Swieten completed his Latin schooling at age 12, enrolled at University at 14 and set his sites on being a pharmacist. He was a degreed and practicing pharmacist at age 20 whereupon he simultaneously enrolled in medical school, becoming a degreed medical doctor at age 25. He became the physician to empress Maria Theresa in 1744 and helped bring reforms to health services in Austria as well as improvements in medical training by way of clinical instruction. This medal offers light argent surfaces with champagne toning in the obverse peripheries, and golden toning that pleasingly highlights the details of his funerary monument. Attractive and rare.
Margolis had a few rather overt interests in his collecting of medallic art. One such theme was that of medals pertaining to man's earliest pursuits to conquer the heavens in the form of ballooning. The European exploits of the late 18th century are contained here across many different country categories. Also quite noticeable was his interest in the medallic art of Jewish engravers, such as Jakob Abraham and his son, Abraham Abramson, among numerous others. Across this selection of medals, these themes and topics will become obvious, adding further dimensions to the already intense focus with which Margolis pursued his collecting.
From the Richard Margolis Collection.

Estimate: $300.00 - $500.00