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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
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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