M042
Bronze, UNC
58 mm (2.28”), 104 grams
OBVERSE: Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the financial services company, Credit Industriel et Commercial, this medal was designed by French sculptor and medalist Henri Dropsy (1/21/1885–11/2/1969). The image is of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck, fate, and fortune, standing upon Rota Fortunae, the Wheel of Fortune. On her left arm, she holds a cornucopia (horn of plenty), scattering coins along her travels. She is encircled with the Latin words “PRUDENTIAE” (“Prudence”), “FORTUNA” (“Fortune”), “AMICA” (“Friend”). “H.DROPSY” signature is clearly evident beneath Fortuna’s left foot.
REVERSE: “CREDIT INDUSTRIEL ET COMMERCIAL” was founded in 1859 in Paris, France. It remains a worldwide financial services company, offering a wide range of expertise in banking, insurance, and investment funds. In 1959, they celebrated their 100th anniversary with the issue of this medal, which shows two bountiful cornucopias framing a caduceus, a herald of commerce, in the center. The initials “hD” are clearly shown at the bottom right.
EDGE: The top edge is engraved “BRONZE,” followed by a small, incused triangle (Detail 1), a hallmark I have yet to identify from the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint).
