Historical and Commemorative Medals
Collection of Benjamin Weiss

BICENTENARY OF THE GENEVAN REFORMATION

DASSIER, Jean: Swiss, 1735, Bronze, 55 mm
Obv: Aerial view of Geneva and harbor, city and hills in the background and barges on the lake. The sun bearing the monogram of Christ IHS emits rays which dissipate the clouds. POST TENEBRAS LUX (After the Darkness, the Light)
Exergue: CELEBRATA ANNO GENEVÆ REFORMATÆ CENTESIMO M.DCC.XXXV (Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Reformation in Geneva 1735)
Rev: Geneva wearing a crown, is discarding the yoke and shackles of Ignorance. To her right is a shield bearing the arms of Geneva. Her arms are outstretched in adoration of Truth, descending from heaven holding a palm and the Bible. VERITAS LIBERAVIT VOS (The Truth Shall Make You Free)
Exergue: IUBILEMUS DOMINO (Let Us Rejoice in the Lord)
Signed: J. DASSIER
Edge: THEOPHILE COUTEAU (in script)
From Jean Dassier’s Geneva Series
Ref: Forrer I, p. 515 (illustrated); Thompson 46/02; Haller II, 1912; Whiting Collection 63/477; Europese Penningen # 1855; Eisler II, 94/2;  Weiss BW048

The Reformation was a movement to reform the Roman Catholic church. It was prompted by discontent with the church, its clergy, doctrine and practices. The reformation was a revolt not only against the doctrinal authority of the church, it was also a protest against the interference of the church in secular matters and the questionable activities of the clergy, notably the sale of indulgences and holy relics. The start of the Reformation is traditionally dated from 1517, when Martin Luther published his Ninety-five Theses. Other powerful reformers appeared in Switzerland, including Ulrich Zwingli in Zurich and, later, the more radical Frenchman John Calvin in Geneva. This medal commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Reformation in Geneva. (From Encyl. World Hist).

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