GERMANY. Death of Friedrich II "the Great" Silver Medal, 1786. NGC MS-61.
Olding-753. By Johann Georg Holtzhey. Diameter: 45mm. Obverse: Uniformed bust of Frederick II wearing tricorn hat and facing left; perimeter legend FRID . INCOMPARIBILIS DEI GRATIA REX BORVSS . ETC. above; signature I.G.H. on truncation of bust; Reverse: Multitude of mementos from Frederick's reign piled upon a table, radiant circle of 12 stars above shining on eagle and clouds immediately above the various accoutrements; perimeter legend RESTEBAT ALIUD NIHIL above, three-line legend and date NATUS XXIV JAN. MDCCXII / DENATUS XVII AUGUST / MDCCLXXXVI in exergue below. Frederick the Great ruled Prussia from 1740 to 1786, greatly expanding its territory, establishing it as a major military power in Europe, and setting the stage for larger German unification under Prussia in the 19th century. His legacy was unfortunately co-opted by the Nazis in the 20th century. Frederick embraced the concept of enlightened absolutism, implementing many reforms and modernization across many facets of life throughout Prussia including bureaucracy, art, architecture, science, freedom of the press, and religious tolerance - though within certain limits. This medal offers lustrous white argent surfaces pleasingly warmed by champagne toning. Well-designed and executed, the details of the reverse make for an engaging study of Frederick's legacy on their own. Some hairlines, but a medal with great eye appeal.
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