Gilded brass 'Saint Plifier' commemorative jeton-medal, 1664
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1664
This commemorative jeton-medal is crafted from gilded copper alloy (brass) and features a central portrait of the legendary figure Saint Plifier on the obverse.
The figure is depicted in a traditional habit, accompanied by the inscription in capital letters: “Ioannes Dei Plifier - Sursum Corda”. The reverse side of the piece displays a portrait of the military engineer Vauban set against a view of the fortress of Brisach, embellished with the cross of the Saint Esprit. The surrounding legend reads: “Vauban - Brisach - Plifier - M.DC.LXIIII”. According to the description, the piece is dated to 1664.
It measures 320 mm in diameter, a measurement likely indicating a large-scale presentation piece or display token. The surface shows signs of wear and surface scratches consistent with its age. The item commemorates the legendary figure Jean de Dieu Plifier, often described as a patron of simplicity, and ties his iconography to historical figures and locations of the 17th century.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Diameter
- 320 mm
- Material
- gilded copper alloy (brass)
- Condition
- wear, scratches
Design
- Obverse
- portrait of Saint Plifier in habit, legend 'Ioannes Dei Plifier - Sursum Corda'
- Reverse
- portrait of Vauban with view of the fort of Brisach and cross of the Saint Esprit, legend 'Vauban - Brisach - Plifier - M.DC.LXIIII'
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.