109, Lot: 285. Estimate $75. Sold for $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

NAPOLEONIC FRANCE. Napoleon I. As Emperor, 1804-1815. Æ Medal (26mm, 9.38 gm, 12h). Distribution of the Eagles. Laureate head left / DRAPEAUX DONNES A L'ARMEE PAR NAPOLEON Ier, AU CHAMP DE MARS/LE 14 FRIM AN XIII/DN.DIR. JE.F. in three lines in exergue, Napoleon standing left on platform, attendant holding two standards behind, handing standard to three officers to right.. Bramsen 357. Good VF, light scratches, a few marks.

This medal commemorates the ceremony, after his coronation, in which Napoleon gave his new battle flags to his troops. These new flags were called 'eagles' due to the eagle that surmounted each, and were carried into battle by each company. The 'eagles' became a target of enemy troops, who typically were rewarded and praised for capturing any in combat.