FRANCE. François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire) Bronze Medal, ND (ca. 1760). NGC MS-62 Brown.
Wurzbach-9186. By Johann Melchior Morikofer. Diameter: 49mm. Weight: 52.11 g. Obverse: Bust of Voltaire facing right, perimeter legend MAR . FRANC . AROUET DE VOLTAIRE. above; signature I . M . MORIKOFER . F. below bust; Reverse: Superimposed objects related to Voltaire - a lyre, laurel wreath, laurel sprig, open book, theatrical mask, and horn; perimeter legend MONUMENTUM . AERE . PERENNIUS. Voltaire, a name taken after his incarceration in the Bastille and of uncertain origin, was a pre-eminent French Enlightenment philosopher, satirist, historian, prolific author, and noted wit. This medal has beautiful, glossy, and subtly mottled mahogany surfaces. Great eye appeal; a superior example of the issue.
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: $100.00 - $200.00