Byzantine, Sicilian, British and World Coins, Medals and Tokens

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.

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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.