Creator Biography
French medalist and sculptor Alphée Dubois was born in 1831 in Paris, France. As the son of Joseph Eugène Dubois and the student of J.J. Barre and Duret, he found much success as a medalist, even winning the Prix de Rome in 1855. Alphée was known to produce many portrait medallions, one of his most well known being Pope Pius IX blessing the Prince Imperial in 1859. Additionally, he was the father of Henri Dubois who also went on to find success as a medalist. Alphée passed away in 1905.
Preview
Geography
France
Culture
French
Medium
Silver alloy
Dimensions
Diameter: 3.2 in. (8.0 cm)
Weight: 8.8 oz (250.0 g)
Credit Line
Gift in Loving Memory of Boris Blick & Judith Rosenbloom Blick by their daughter Sarah Blick, 2024
Accession Number
2015.153
Condition
The coin is in relatively good condition with very little sign of wear, but the edge of the coin appears to have some oxidation. (March 2025)
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Obverse:
LA LOI
S·U REPUBLIQUE
FRANÇOISE
ALPHEE DUBOIS
Reverse:
PROCLAMATION
DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE
·
4 SEPTEMBRE 1870
Edge:
1 ARGENT
Description
The obverse of this coin depicts two female figures, both wearing draped cloths and a crown of leaves on their heads and facing each other. The woman on the left sits on a base that reads, “Republique Francaise”. This and her height on the other figure imply her allegorical representation as the Republic. In her right hand, she props up a sword that is wrapped with leaves and is held just above a vase with the letters “S·U” inscribed on it. In her left hand, she holds a document which is titled “La Loi” or “The Law”. To the bottom and left of the base are more branches of leaves and a vine of grapes. The woman on the right is shown facing the left figure with her right hand raised in the air and her left hand held just below her chest. Behind her is a short pillar, a harp, and a crop of wheat. To the bottom right of the image, the Alphee Dubois’ name is included, crediting him as the creator. Encircling the image is a border of small dots.
The reverse includes a branch of leaves which circles around the inscription, “Proclamation de la République · 4 Septembre 1870.” Around the edge of the reverse also includes a border of small dots.
On the edge of the coin, the inscription “1 Argent” reveals the material of the coin, which is an alloy silver.