1631 Cardinal Richelieu Medal. Leroux-302. Bronze. MS-63 (PCGS).
53.4 mm. 1243.4 grains. Plain edge. Even chocolate brown with a hint of mint color around peripheral design elements. Only trivial marks are seen. The reverse die is quite rusty and would be replaced before too long (see next lot). A pre-1842 strike, relatively early for this oft-restruck issue. Betts omitted this medal, correctly so by his criteria, but Leroux ( Le Medaillier du Canada ) included it based on Richelieu's advocacy and leadership in the founding of the Company of New France, later the Company of the One Hundred Associates, the earliest monopolies in charge of the economy and trade of New France.
From the Joe Foster Collection. Earlier from Geoffrey Bell Auctions' sale of September 2018, lot 617.

Estimate: $400