1804 Napoleon & Josephine Medal – Brenet – Coronation AN XIII – Rainbow Patina FRANCE – First Empire, 1804 Napoleon I & Josephine Bronze Medal (35 mm) – Coronation Celebrations at Paris City Hall By Brenet – Directed by Vivant Denon – AN XIII (1804) Exceptional Rainbow Patina – Superb Condition Offered here is an outstanding original bronze medal struck for the Coronation Celebrations of Napoleon and Josephine, held at the Hôtel de Ville, Paris, during the festivities of AN XIII (1804). This piece is the classic official type engraved by Brenet, under the direction of Vivant Denon, the master of Napoleonic medallic art. Your example stands out for its extraordinary iridescent rainbow patina, with tones of violet, blue, gold, pink and green that shift beautifully under the light — a surface rarely seen on this popular type and highly sought-after by advanced collectors. ⸻ Obverse Jugate laureate busts of Napoleon and Josephine, facing right. Napoleon shown with the imperial laurel wreath; Josephine diademed and draped. Signed BRENET below the busts. Legends: NAPOLEON – JOSEPHINE. The portraits are sharply detailed, with exceptionally clean fields enhanced by the multicolor iridescence. ⸻ Reverse Impressive imperial eagle seated atop a thunderbolt, wings open, symbolizing the newly established Empire. Legend above: FIXA PERENNIS IN ALTO SEDES (“A Perennial Seat Established on High.”) Below: FÊTES DU COURONNEMENT DONNÉES A L’HOTEL DE VILLE AN XIII Struck with excellent clarity and fully original metal texture. ⸻ Specifications • Date: AN XIII (1804) • Metal: Bronze • Diameter: 35 mm • Weight: approx. 20.2 g (typical for the type) • Engraver: Brenet • Artistic Director: Vivant Denon • Condition: Choice Extremely Fine with SUPERB rainbow patina • Edge: Plain (French early 19th-century official style) ⸻ Why This Example Is Special Napoleonic medals often survive with dark brown surfaces. Finding an example with this spectacular rainbow toning is extremely rare. This piece offers: vibrant, multicolor iridescence on both sides clean surfaces with no corrosion crisp reliefs and sharp portrait detail superior eye appeal for advanced collectors A true premium-quality example. Historical Significance The Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine (2 December 1804) marked the birth of the French Empire. The festivities at the Hôtel de Ville were among the most lavish celebrations organized in Paris, and official medals such as this were distributed to honor dignitaries and commemorate the event. This medal is catalogued among the most iconic early Empire issues and is a cornerstone piece of Napoleonic medallic art. Free Worldwide Shipping from Italy Well protected – tracking included. Combined shipping available. A Stunning Napoleonic Medal with Extraordinary Rainbow Patina Perfect for collectors of Napoleon, early French Empire medals, or high-grade historical bronzes.