1810 France Napoleon – Prince Ferdinand Visit Medal – Rainbow Patina – 34mm Bronze FRANCE – First Empire (1804–1814) Napoleon I / Prince Ferdinand of Würzburg Official Medal – Visit to the Paris Medal Mint Dated 1810 – Bronze – 34 mm Engraver: Brenet & Denon (signature: Brenet F. Denon D.) This is an exceptionally beautiful early-19th-century French bronze medal commemorating the official visit of H.I.H. Prince Ferdinand, Grand Duke of Würzburg, to the Monnaie des Médailles (Paris Medal Mint) in June 1810. Your example stands out for its spectacular iridescent rainbow patina, showing brilliant rings of violet, blue, gold, rose, and ice-green, a color effect only seen on perfectly preserved bronzes stored untouched for generations. It is far above average for this type — a true connoisseur’s medal. ⸻ Obverse Superb neoclassical bust of Prince Ferdinand facing right. Finely engraved hair, elegant cuirassed bust, and crisp profile. Signature below: BRENET F. DENON D. A masterpiece of early Empire portrait engraving. ⸻ Reverse Inscription in six lines: S.A.I. LE PRINCE FERDINAND GRAND DUC DE WURTZBOURG VISITE LA MONNAIE DES MEDAILLES EN JUIN MDCCCX A clean, elegant layout typical of official Paris Mint commemoratives. The reverse displays the same incredible rainbow toning, forming a natural halo around the legends — highly desirable and very rare. ⸻ Historical Context Prince Ferdinand of Würzburg (1772–1806), reorganized under Napoleon’s protection, was a strategic ally to the French Empire. His official visits to Paris, especially to the Medal Mint directed by Vivant Denon, were celebrated with these small-format medals, today considered true Napoleonic miniatures for advanced collectors. ⸻ Condition • Magnificent rainbow patina, untouched • Sharp reliefs, exceptional surface quality • No cleaning, no corrosion, no problems • A premium example for a high-end Napoleonic collection