Description: 102581 | FRANCE. "Le Grand Sphinx" silver Medal. Issued "5804" (1804) for the masonic lodge (26mm, 9.08 g, 6h). G∴SPHINX., sphinx, holding jar in each hand, reclining left upon base decorated with floral scrolls; ankh to left // SILENCE AMITIE / BIENFAISANCE, radiant Eye of Providence. Edge: Reeded. Labouret 249; Bramsen 404; Julius 1352; d'Essling 2085. PCGS AU-58. Lightly toned and highly brilliant. A rare and highly interesting masonic issue with connections to ancient Egypt. Compare to a similar example that realized a total of €1,020 in Numismatica Ars Classica 122 (14 November 2020), lot 245. One of the more historically important events involved in Napoleon's French campaign into Egypt during the end of the 18th century was the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799. A stele from Ptolemaic Egypt that conveyed a decree from the king in three different languages (Egyptian hieroglyphics, Demotic, and Ancient Greek), it provided the first chance to crack the code of hieroglyphics which, to that point, had remained shrouded in mystery. The first transliteration of the hieroglyphics was completed by Jean-François Champollion in 1822, with the very discovery of the stone arousing great interest in all things ancient Egyptian. Even before its translation, however, interest in ancient Egypt was extremely high and en vogue. Some of those involved in Napoléon's expedition were themselves members of the Scottish Rite branch of freemasonry. As such, they were greatly influenced by ancient Egyptian culture and iconography when forming novel lodges in France, such as the lodge commemorated on this medal, the Lodge of the Great Sphinx. This medal, or jeton, likely would have served as an admittance pass or as a token for one's membership in the lodge. Terms and Conditions: We offer complimentary domestic shipping and handling (with tracking) via USPS. Orders will ship within three business days of payment receipt. We offer a full no-questions-asked return privilege for all items purchased online; items must be returned within 14 days of receipt and fully insured in transit. Sorry, but we no longer offer international shipping on eBay, though we do certainly consider international purchases through our website (which is easy to determine based upon our user name). FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO READ OUR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE AGREEING TO BUY THIS ITEM.
Price: 985 USD
Location: Pleasanton, California
End Time: 2024-09-12T17:36:03.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Circulated/Uncirculated: Circulated
Brand: Paris Mint
Type: Medal
Composition: Silver
Year: 1804
Grade: AU 58
Country/Region of Manufacture: France
Certification: PCGS
