Creator Biography
Augustin Dupré was born in St. Etienne (Loire), France in 1748, and he grew up to be a goldsmith and medalist. Dupré spent his youth working while also studying sculpture under medallist Jacques Olanier. He spent his twenties working as an engraver in Paris, and soon after he was commissioned by the Spanish Ambassador, which gave him the means to open his own studio. As a medallist, some of his most notable works were created for the French Revolution. Though spending his life in France, Dupré was also recognized for his interest the American Revolution, which he made a set of seven medals in honor of. Dupré passed away in 1833 in Armentières, France.
Preview
Creation Date
1792
Geography
Paris, France
Culture
French
Medium
Copper
Dimensions
Diameter: 1.5 in. (4.0cm)
Weight: 0.9 oz (25.6 g)
Credit Line
Gift in Loving Memory of Boris Blick & Judith Rosenbloom Blick by their daughter Sarah Blick, 2024
Accession Number
2015.160.6
Condition
This medal is in relatively good condition, with only minor signs of oxidation in the crevices of the engraving, which is mainly concentrated in the border around the medal’s edge. Additionally, the inscription which wraps around the edge of the medal has worn a bit, and the space in between the letters appears a bit green due to oxidation. (April 2025)
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Obverse:
VIVRE LIBRES OU MOURIR ·
PACTE FEDERATIF ·
CONSTITUTION DES FRANCAIS
DUPRÉ F. (fecit)
14 JUILLET. 1790
Obverse Translation:
LIFE FREE OR DIE ·
FEDERATIVE PACT ·
CONSTITUTION OF THE FRENCH
MADE BY DUPRÉ
15 JULY. 1790
Reverse:
MONNERON FRERES NEGOCIANS A PARIS
1792 ·
MEDAILLE
DE CONFIANCE
DE CINQ-SOLS
REMBOURSABLE
EN ASSIGNATS
DE 50.th ET
AU DESSUS ·
——————
L’AN IV. DE LA
LIBERTÉ
Reverse Translation:
MONNERON BROTHERS
TRADERS IN
PARIS
1792 ·
MEDAL
OF TRUST
OF FIVE SOLS
REDEEMABLE
IN ASSIGNATS
OF 50
AND ABOVE ·
——————
YEAR 5. OF LIBERTY
Edge:
DEPARTEMENS DE PARIS. RHONE ET LOIRE. DU GARD & c
Edge Translation:
DEPARTMENTS OF PARIS. RHONE AND LOIRE. GARD & c
References
Hennin, Michel. Histoire Numismatique de la Révolution Française. Gallica. Vol. 2. Paris, France: J.S. Merlin, 1826, pp. 293.
Description
The image on this medal is set within an oval, and it shows a number of French Federatives or troops lined up and facing the left. In their left hand they hold a sword to their hip, and they hold their right arm out to the front. In front of these troops is a figure who likely represents Liberty, and they sit on a base and hold the Constitution of the French. The base which they sit upon reads “Dupré F.” or “Dupré Fecit”, which reveals that the medal was created by Augustin Dupré. To the right of the base is another pedestal including a portrait of Louis XVI on the front. In the background of the image, flags can be seen raised in the air. Towards the top edge of the oval, the inscription, “Pacte Federatif” or “Federative Pact” is found. The bottom of the oval reads the date, July 14th, 1970, which identifies this event as the Feast of the Federation, or the storming of the Bastille. Around the oval reads the inscription, “Vivre Libres ou Mourir”, also translated as “Live Free or Die”, which reveals the sentiment of the storming.
The reverse of the medal provides more context for the image, reading “Medaille de Confiance de Cinq-Sols/ Remboursable en Assignats de 5oth Et Au Dessus/ L’an IV de la Liberte.” Encircling this inscription is another inscription that reads: “Monneron Freres Negocians a Paris/ 1792・”
Around the side edge of the medal, it reads “Departemens de Paris. Rhone et Loire. Du Gard & c”.