1800-1801 France Napoleon Battle of Morengo St. Bernard Pass Bronze Medal UNC

This 1800-1801 French bronze medal is a magnificent historical issue commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte's bold alpine crossing and his subsequent victory at the Battle of Marengo. One side features a sharp, right-facing bare head portrait of Napoleon, positioned above a detailed rectangular vignette depicting the chaotic cavalry and infantry clashes of Marengo, all set against a backdrop of crossed flags, laurel branches, and military trophies. This intricate arrangement is framed by the prominent upper legend "BONAPARTE PREMIER CONSUL DE LA REPUBLIQUE FRAN.SE" and the exergue "BATAILLE DE MARENGO / LE XXVI PRAIRIAL / AN VIII.". The opposing side displays a highly dramatic, high-relief scene of Napoleon on a rearing horse navigating the treacherous rocky terrain of the Great St. Bernard Pass, appearing to command lightning from the stormy sky above. The exergue below reads "PASSAGE DU Gd. ST. BERNARD / LE XXV FLOREAL / AN VIII.". Preserved in Uncirculated condition, this medal boasts a rich, even chocolate-brown patina and razor-sharp details, serving as a masterwork of early nineteenth-century Napoleonic medallic propaganda.