XXXVII - 1804

Le Code Napoleon
Obverse - Whole length figure standing of Napoleon, habited in the imperial paludamentum; his head encircled with a laurel wreath, in his right hand he holds the Code Napoleon; sandals on his feet. Legend, NAPOLEON EMPEREUR. BRENET F. DENON D.	Reverse, a whole length figure of Minerva, the head and bust presumed to be copied from the Antique which was originally in the Vatican. She is represented with the Napoleon Code in her left hand, and with the right supports herself by her hasta or spear. Exergue, EN L'AN XII. LE CODE CIVIL EST DECRETE. BRENET F. DENON D.
Size, 1 5/8 inches.

Note: my copy of this medal is a lead trial strike of the obverse only. I am still looking to acquire a bronze copy with both sides. I'll put the reverse image on when I get access to one.

Laskey's Narrative:

On the 15th January, a New Civil Code, denominated the Code Napoleon, was presented and adopted by the Legislature of France, on which occasion, the French Government ordered that a medal should be struck to perpetuate this epocha. This was executed after the First Consul had abdicated that title and assumed the one of Emperor, as appears by the legend on the obverse.

Bramsen - 291 Code civil. (Brenet.)
NAPOLEON EMPEREUR. La statue en pied de Napoléon, en costume romain, la tête de profil, à gauche, couronnée de laurier.	Rev: EN L'AN XII. LE CODE CIVIL EST DECRETÉ *. La Minerve de Villetri.
Médaille, 41 mm. - Trésor de Numismatique de l'Empire français: Planche 2 No 9; H. m. 25, 82; M. F. 345, 148.

d'Essling - 1005 Code Civil (Brenet).
Napoléon deb. à g.	R. Minerve deb. à dr.
(TN. 2.9 - M. 82 - B. 291) Arg. et br. 41 mm. 3 p. (2 var.)

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