This bronze plaquette, created in 1932 by the Monnaie de Paris, commemorates Anatole Marie Emile Chauffard (1855–1932), a distinguished French physician. Chauffard was a professor of clinical medicine at the Faculty of Medicine in Paris and a respected member of the Académie Nationale de Médecine. His contributions to medicine, particularly in the study of liver diseases and hematology, are widely recognized.
Specifications:
- Obverse Design: The obverse features a left-facing profile bust of Anatole Chauffard, elegantly dressed, with the inscription "1855 / 1932" and "A. CHAUFFARD" in the exergue. The design is signed by the engraver "G. N. RISPAL."
- Reverse Design: Smooth ("LISSE"), offering a blank canvas, potentially for inscriptions or awards.
- Composition: Bronze
- Dimensions: 71.5 x 54 mm (rectangular plaquette)
- Weight: 138.5 g
- Edge: Smooth, marked with "lisse + triangle BRONZE," indicating the material and authenticity.
- Engraver: Noël Jean Gabriel Rispal (1892–1970), known for his meticulous and artistic numismatic works.
- Punchmark: Triangle BRONZE, confirming production by the Monnaie de Paris
Condition:
- Grade: AU (About Uncirculated)
- Comments: The plaquette displays a heterogeneous patina with visible black spots, along with some impacts and scratches, reflecting its age and handling.
Historical Context: Anatole Chauffard was a leading figure in French medicine during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He made significant advances in the understanding of liver diseases, contributing to the identification of conditions such as Chauffard's syndrome (a type of hemolytic anemia). His work had a lasting impact on medical education and clinical practice in France and beyond.
Significance: This plaquette serves as a tribute to Anatole Chauffard's enduring influence in the field of medicine. It is a valuable collector's item for those interested in medical history, French numismatics, and the celebration of scientific achievements through art. The artistic quality of Rispal's work adds to the plaquette's appeal, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the Monnaie de Paris.
