Auction #509 of Coins, Medals & Banknotes

One bronze medal and one silver medal engraved by J.B. Gass, commemorative for the victory of the naval battle of Chesme which took place 5/7 July 1770 in Cesme bay between Anatolia and Chios island. It was a part of the Orlov Revolt of 1769, a precursor to the later Greek War of Independence (1821–29), and the first of a number of disastrous fleet battles for the Ottomans against Russia. Obverse: Half-length of Admiral Orlov in helmet and plumes, uniform and order, holding a baton in his extended right hand. Ribbon of St Andrew over right shoulder. Legend in Russian (Count Alexis Grigorovich Orlov, victor and destroyer of the Turkish fleet). Reverse: Plan of the action showing the position of the fleets and the surrounding land inscribed with the names of the places. Legend in Russian (And there was in Russia joy and gladness). Diam: 92mm. Weight: 226gr (Bronze) and 262gr (Silver). CONDITION - Bronze medal: Strike on perimeter, die break on obverse, small mint cracks on reverse, overall Very Fine Plus. Silver medal: Small strikes on perimeter, polished, overall Very Fine Plus.