Description

This medal was created based on the model by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) by Nicolas Gatteaux, who served as Engraver to the King since 1781.

The reverse commemorates the ascent of the first aerostat on August 27, 1783, at the Champ de Mars under the initiative of Joseph (1740-1810) and Étienne (1745-1799) de Montgolfier, who collaborated on the invention of the hot air balloon. On that day, the first hydrogen balloon was launched by Charles (1746-1823) and the brothers Nicolas-Louis, known as Robert the Younger (1761-1828), and Anne-Jean Robert, covering a distance of 25 km.

Matte finish, struck after 1880.

Puncheon:  <cornucopiae> SILVER

Reverse legend:

EXPERIENCE DU CHAMP DE MARS 27 AOUST 1783 EN VERTU D UNE SOUSCRIPTION SOUS LA DIRECT . DE M. FAUJAS de ST FOND

(“Experiment at the Champ de Mars on August 27, 1783, pursuant to a subscription under the direction of Mr. Faujas de Saint-Fond”)