A gold and enamel medal custom-built by former U.S. President George Washington to signify the principles of the Revolution lately fetched $5.26 mn (including sotheby’s commission) at Sotheby’s Auction house. France’s Fondation de Chambrun bought the medal. Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the medal in 1784 and then it went to Frenchman’s hands in 1824 when Lafayette was 67 years old. It was expected to generate is sale between $4-10 million.
This medal with 2.5 centimeters diameter medal features an eagle surrounded by a laurel circlet will be displayed at France’s chateau de la Grange, of Gilbert du Motier, the current marquis de La Fayette. The medal is purchased by the New York-based art dealer Christophe Van de Weghe who purchased this for the French private foundation.
Via AFP
