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France: Founding of the Society of African Missions

France: Founding of the Society of African MissionsFrance: Founding of the Society of African Missions
Form: Circular
By: ?
Date: 1856
Ref:  Laidlaw: 0944;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
40.3 mmCopper-Bronze32.3 mm$100

Edge: Plain.

Obverse: Mary holding the infant Jesus riding on a donkey followed by Joseph, right. Legend on a raised band above: "ADSCRIPTIO CONGREGATIONI MISSIONVM AD AFROS" and below between crosses: "MDCCCLVI".

Reverse: Within a four-petal shaped frame and against an ornate crossed-hatched background, an angel, front, holding a shield: "MITTAM / EX EIS / IN / AFRICAM / (cross)". Four flowers outside in the angles.

Notes: The Society of African Missions is a Roman Catholic missionary organization. The Society was founded in 1856 by Bishop Melchior de Marion Brésillac with the blessing of Pope Pius IX. It is believed that the medal was made to help raise the funds needed to establish the society.