Marie Curie Commemorative Silver Medal by Corbin
Decorative Object / Medallic Art · Raymond Corbin (1907-2002), a prominent French sculptor and medalist who designed for the Monnaie de Paris; known for intricate portraiture and classic French medallic style.
Pattern: Scientific Commemorative Issue; Marie Curie Centenary or Legacy Medal series.
Type
Decorative Object / Medallic Art
Maker
Raymond Corbin (1907-2002), a prominent French sculptor and medalist who designed for the Monnaie de Paris; known for intricate portraiture and classic French medallic style.
Material
French Silver (likely .925 sterling or .950 high-purity silver coin silver); base metal versions in bronze exist, but this specimen shows characteristic silver oxidation (sulfide tarnish).
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 50mm to 68mm (standard French art medal size); estimated weight between 100g and 250g depending on thickness.
Description
A striking art medal celebrating the life of physicist Marie Curie. The obverse features a dignified right-facing profile, capturing her signature hairstyle and scientific resolve. The typography is integrated into the circular composition, creating a balance between historical documentation and artistic portraiture.
Key Features
Corbin signature; high-relief sculptural detail; distinctive 'halo' of tarnish; accurate anatomical portraiture; French mint quality.
Material & Composition
French Silver (likely .925 sterling or .950 high-purity silver coin silver); base metal versions in bronze exist, but this specimen shows characteristic silver oxidation (sulfide tarnish).
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish with heavy natural oxidation (tarnish). Features a high-relief profile portrait of Marie Curie (obverse). The decoration is achieved through die-striking with fine-line engraving in the hair and lettering.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Signed 'CORBIN' near the lower bust edge. Edge marks likely include a 'Cornucopia' (Monnaie de Paris mark) and a purity stamp (e.g., '1' or 'ARGENT').
Construction Details
Machine die-struck from hand-engraved master hubs; notable for the depth of the relief and the sharp definition of the letterforms and facial features.
Functional Features
Planar decorative object with a raised protective rim to prevent surface wear to the central relief when placed on flat surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; intended to be held by the edges or displayed on a stand.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior die-engraving quality; the transition from the field to the relief is exceptionally smooth, indicating high-pressure striking common in French state mint production.
Authentication Indicators
The 'CORBIN' signature is consistent with known works by Raymond Corbin; the quality of the engraving and the specific font style are hallmarks of the Paris Mint.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; Paris, specifically the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), which has a centuries-old tradition of producing fine art medals.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century French Medallic Art; specifically 1967 (Centenary of Curie's birth, noted by the dates 1867-1934).
Age Estimate
Circa 1967. The dates 1867-1934 denote Marie Curie's lifespan, and Corbin's career peaked in the mid-century period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of science and art, honoring one of the 20th century's most influential scientists through the traditional European medium of the commemorative medal.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Significant natural tarnish/patina which many collectors prefer. No visible rim nicks or deep scratches. The surface shows minor handling wear typical of unprotected silver.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on exact silver weight and market demand for scientific collectibles.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical 'dips' which remove the historical patina; use a soft silver cloth like Cape Cod only if a bright look is desired; store in a PVC-free airtight capsule to prevent further tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Bronze versions of the same design (much more common); Nobel Prize medals (gold); other Monnaie de Paris medals by artists like Coeffin or Dropsy.
Interesting Facts
Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry).