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

L’Ange de Reims, 1914, a silver medal by O. Yencesse, guardian angel smiling down on Reims, reverse detail of a bas-relief showing Saint Remi chasing away the demon incendiary-setters of Reims, from a portal in Reims Cathedral, 51mm (BDM VIII, 304; BM Acq. 1978-82, p.50, 207). Very fine; in original maroon inscribed case of issue (£50-70)

Commemorates the incendiary bombing of Reims Cathedral by German troops in September 1914. The Cathedral, one of the greatest monuments of Gothic architecture, underwent a lengthy period of restoration and stablisation in the two decades after World War I