Russia, Imperial. A Medal for the Founding of Moscow University 1754, by Jacques-Antoine Dassier

Constructed of a silver alloy, the obverse bearing a raised and rightward-facing bust of Empress Elizabeth, circumscribed by name and title, the reverse bearing a central raised depiction of Mother Russia wielding a shield, surrounded by symbols of art and science, with a monument in the background bearing Empress Elizabeth's monogram, topped by an inscription of “VA / SIBI / MONVMENTA / PARAVIT” (“SHE ERECTED A NEW MONUMENT TO HERSELF”), and situated above an inscription of "ACADM / MOSQ / INSTIT / MDCCLIV" ("FOUNDING OF MOSCOW UNIVERSITY 1754"), the obverse bearing an engraver’s dedication of “DASSIER” for Jacques-Antoine Dassier, Geneva/London, measuring 50.36 mm in diameter, weighing 39.1 grams, demonstrating minor edge nicks and loss of finish to the base metal, in near extremely fine condition.