Figure 1: Ferdiand III Honor Medal, obverse. Image from the author’s archive.
Date Issued: Circa 1650-1657
Reason Issued: If the reason for issuing later medals which were similar to this medal can be taken as a guide, then the Emperor Ferdinand III Honor Medal (Kaiser Ferdinand III Gnadenmedaille) was issued as a reward for special merit in support of the emperor and his dynastic goals
Classes or Types: Two
· Gold Honor Medal
· Silver Honor Medal
Interesting Facts: The word Gnaden (Grace) as used in the name of this medal had a different meaning when it was issued than it does today. Thus “grace” should be interpreted as “honor” therefore the title in today’s terminology would be the Emperor Ferdinand III Copper Honor Medal
Hallmarks: None Known
Design: A round medal with an oval suspension eye at the top
Figure 2: Ferdiand III Honor Medal, obverse. Image from the author’s archive.
Obverse: A bust of Emperor Ferdinand III facing to the viewers right with a laurel wreath in his hair and wearing a cope with a lace a collar. Inscribed around the top half of the bust is: FERDI III. D. G. ROM. IM.SE. AU. GE. HU. BO.REX. (Ferdinand III. With the grace of God Roman Emperor, Sovereign Emperor of Austria, Galicia, Hungary, Bohemia, King)
Figure 1: Ferdiand III Honor Medal, reverse. Image from the author’s archive.
Reverse: The reveres features a scale of justice below and behind these scales are a sword and scepter crossed with the scepter passing from left right. Above the scale and touching its crossbar is a cross. Inscribed around the edge of the reveres of the medal is FIRMAMENTA REGNORVM (Heavenly Reign)
Weight: Unknown
Size: 39 mm in diameter
Type of Material: Gold and Silver
Figure 1: Ferdiand III Honor Medal, Type II, obverse. Image from the author’s archive.
Variations:
Type I obverse: As described above
Type II obverse: As described above except that it has a rope design on the rim of the medal and a raised line outside of the inscription.
Type I reverse: As described above
Type II reverse: As described above except that it has a rope design on the rim of the medal and a raised line outside of the inscription.
Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Number Issued: Unknown
Case: Unknown
Ribbon: Unknown
Attachments: None
Miniature: None known
Hope you enjoyed this blog. Until next time, I hope you find joy in our shared interest.
Rick
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