British and World Coins. Tokens and Historical Medals

The Colonization of Algeria, 1848, a copper medal, unsigned, steamship towing a boat, other small rowing boats in foreground, reverse legend, 28mm. About extremely fine, some original colour on obverse, scarce and interesting (£30-40)

By decree of 19 September 1848 50 million francs were set aside for the colonization of Algeria, which had been conquered by the French in 1831. The obverse shows the departure of the first ship bound for Algeria, carrying the colonial settlers and their belongings, on 8 October 1848