Ancient, British and World Coins, Tokens, Historical Medals and Banknotes

Cardinal Mercier, 1916, a large uniface cast bronze portrait plaque by A. Mauquoy, half-length portrait left, legend in exergue, 423 x 310mm (Vandamme/Bernier 45; cf. Spink 17.vii.97, 135; cf. Bonhams 9.xii.97, 194; cf. BDM VIII, 356). Very fine; with loop for hanging on the back (£40-50)

Desire Joseph Mercier (1851-1926), professor at Louvain University; became Archbishop of Malines in 1906 and Cardinal in 1907. Mercier was a symbol of Belgian resistance to Germany, frequently speaking out against the excesses of occupying troops.

The normal size versions of this Mercier plaque bear witness to the bombardment of Malines Cathedral in 1914