Hippolyte Mars, bronze medals (2) by Borrel after Barre, bust r., reverse hommage au talent within laurel wreath, one with ‘cuivre’ on edge (Svarsted 158; Gaz. Num. Franc. 1902, p. 352, 58, pl. X; BDM I, p.223) [2]. Extremely fine or better (£30-40)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Musica in Nummis: A Collection of Medals relating to Classical Musicians.

View
Collection

The second medal is a restrike, perhaps struck in the last quarter of the 19th century. Mars is not noted in the Grove dictionary; it is likely she was an actress, or if a singer, one whose fame cannot have lasted.