Last Medal Issued for Franz I

CNG 94, Lot: 1991. Estimate $1000. Sold for $650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire. Franz I. Emperor, 1745-1765. AR Medal (46mm, 43.78 g, 12h). Commemorating the arrival of the Imperial Couple to Innsbruck for the Formal Marriage of Archduke Leopold (later Leopold II) and Maria Luisa of Spain. By A. Wideman. Dated 15 July 1765 (dates in Roman numerals). FRANCISC • I • M THERES • IOSEP • II • M • IOSEPHA • AVGGGG, Conjoined busts right of Franz I, laureate, draped, and cuirassed, Maria Theresia, draped and wearing stephane, Joseph II, laureate, draped, and cuirassed, and Maria Josepha (†1767), draped and wearing hair ornament / ADVENTVS • AVGGGG OENIPONTVM, ornate monumental triple-bayed arch with medallions of Leopold and Maria Luisa above each side bay; ornate attic above with arched central panel decorated with crowned medallions of Leopold and Maria Luisa, surmounted by imperial double-headed eagle flanked by seated statues of Piety and Justice; view of street in background; D • XV IVL • MDCCLXV/AD NVPT • LEOP • A • A •/CELEBRAND in three lines in exergue. Montenuovo 1942; Julius 1899; Wittelsbach 2253. EF, toned, small rim bruise at 9. Rare.

This was the last medal struck for Franz I while he was alive. Three days after his arrival at Innsbruck, on 18 July 1765, Franz I died suddenly while returning in his carriage from the opera.