Very rare medal minted to celebrate the Peace of Tilsit and the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw.
The Peace of Tilsit was concluded in July 1807 between Napoleon, Russia and Prussia. Under it, Russia recognized the creation of the Duchy of Warsaw and the Free City of Danzig, and joined the continental blockade of Great Britain.
A rare medal, known from individual listings. Background rubbed, but with a clear medal mirror. A beautifully preserved numismatic coin.
Obverse: bust of the prince to the right
FRID AUGUST III DG REX SAX DUX VARSOV
Reverse: female figure at the altar, in section TILST D VIII IUL M DCCCVII, below signature of Krüger senior
PAX ADES ET TOTO MITIS IN ORBE MANE (quote from Ovid).
Diameter 47 mm, weight 37.69 g
Marian Kallas, in his book The Constitution of the Duchy of Warsaw , writes as follows: "Napoleon's alliance with Alexander was bought (mainly because of Russia, as well as Austria) by a number of concessions on Napoleon's part (especially in the "Polish question"). The peace treaty brought Russia's recognition of French supremacy in Europe (including recognition of the Union of the Rhine and the Duchy of Warsaw). The treaty, which was essentially an apparent and unsustainable success, caused dissatisfaction, for various reasons, in many countries, especially Russia, Prussia, Austria, Saxony and, well, the Duchy of Warsaw, and, of course, England. Among Poles, the peace treaty caused consternation and indignation. The creation of a small duchy, even devoid of the name "Polish," was received unfavorably. Also, accounts from the French side indicate dissatisfaction and at the same time bewilderment caused by the Tilsit Treaty. Especially regarding the territorial stipulations concerning Polish lands. The situation in the Polish lands after Tilsit was also reflected in numerous memoirs of the period. Their authors of various political persuasions, for the most part, were unanimous in their assessment of the mood of the Poles after the establishment of the Duchy of Warsaw."
