1852 French Medal Presented to the Captain of the First American Ship to Reach Rouen. Silver. 68 mm.

1852 French Medal Presented to the Captain of the First American Ship to Reach Rouen. Silver. 68 mm. 149.25 grams. About Uncirculated, Cleaned.，<strong>Obv:</strong> Seated Minerva extending a laurel wreath in her right hand. <strong>Rev:</strong> Heavy oak wreath enclosing a large central area for engraved inscriptions, this one inscribed SOCIETE LIBRE DU COMMERCE & DE LINDUSTRIE DE ROUEN / A MR / SAMUEL BILLINGS / CAPTAINE DU NAVIRE / MARY-ANNAH / DE PORTSMOUTH / 4 AVRIL 1852 / 1RE APPARITION DU PAVILION AMERICN / A ROUEN. This is an official Paris Mint medal utilizing an obverse by Bertrand Andrieu that was originally used with a blank reverse during the reign of Louis XVIII (1815-1824) and as such is cataloged as CGIE II P-117E. This medal combines Andreaus original obverse with a more modern anonymous reverse design. The edge is inscribed with a pointing hand and ARGENT. Choice prooflike silver-gray surfaces showing evidence of an old cleaning which has resulted in some uneven toning. One or two insignificant contact marks are also noted.，Ex Bob Levin, c.1988; Paul Boscos Auction 22 of November 2000, lot 596. Levin tag with collector notes included.，