Description

George III. 1760-1820. Silver Medal 1814, 37.01 g. Treaty of Paris, Peace in Europa. From Mudie's series commemorating British victories. By R. Gyrard and J. P. Droz. Head of Britannia in a Corinthian helmet. BRITANNIA. Rv. Hercules standing upon a fallen French standard. THE REPOSE OF HERCULES MDCCCXIIII. Plain edge. 40.9 mm. Eimer 1046. BHM 825. Bramsen 1441. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

From the auction Schweizerischer Bankverein 26, Basel, January 1991, lot 1551.

The Treaty of Paris, signed on May 30, 1814, marked the formal end of the Napoleonic Wars between France and the Sixth Coalition (comprising Britain, Russia, Prussia, Austria, and other coalition powers). It was the first of two Treaties of Paris signed in 1814 - 1815 and established the terms of peace following Napoleon Bonaparte's abdication and exile to Elba.

The peace established by the Treaty of Paris was short-lived: Napoleon escaped from exile on Elba in March 1815 and returned to power during the Hundred Days, leading to renewed conflict.

After Napoleon’s final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, a second Treaty of Paris was signed in November 1815. This second treaty was far harsher, imposing significant territorial losses, war reparations, and an allied occupation of France.