Large Bronze Original Medal 1869 Opening of The Suez Canal Austria Franz Joseph by J Tautenhayn
Description: A beautiful and very large (~71 mm or 2 13/16") bronze medal. This is the J. Tautenhayn medal commemorating the opening of the Suez canal on 17 November 1869. The medal shows the head of Franz Joseph emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire at the time with a mustache and large sideburns on his face and a laureate in his hair facing right on the obverse. It has the legend "FRANCISCVS.IOSEPHVS.I.D.G.AVSTRIAE.IMPERATOR.ET.AVNGARIAE.REX.APOST" surrounding the king's bust. The reverse shows Egyptia (a woman in flowing dress, a crescent in her head and holding a scroll) seated on the Sphinx with the pyramids on her right and a ship to her left. There is a legend below her which reads "ADVENTVS AVGVSTI INAEGYPTVM OB.APERIVNDAM FOSSAM SVEZIANAM MDCCCLXIX." The designs on both the obverse and reverse are done in high relief, with lots of intricate details, and are just beautiful. The medal measures 71 mm and weighs ~142 grams. The medal has no edge markings. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Historic Perspective: The Suez Canal is considered one of the most important maritime event as well as technical achievements of the 19the century. It was constructed in Egypt to connect the Red and the Mediterranean seas and facilitate navigation between Europe and the far east. It was designed and constructed under the supervision of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Today the Canal is a major source of income for Egypt and provides a major source of dollar revenue to the Egyptian Government.
Date: The medal is dated 1869.
Origin: Austria.
Artist: J. Tautenhayn
References: Mont 3807; Würz 2484; Hauser 652; Horsky 3807.
Weight and Size: The medal is ~71 mm in diameter and weighs ~142 grams or over five ounces.
Marks: Has the name J. Tautenhayn under the king's bust on the obverse.
Maker: Unknown.
Condition: The medal is what I would grade as good about uncirculated or better. It has a few very minor and barely noticeable scratches. The medal is beautiful and must be seen in person to appreciate its beauty. Please see the photos for additional condition information.
