One of the greatest sources of civic pride in Haarlem is their role in creating the modern printingpress. While it was of course invented by Gutenberg in Germany, it is often claimed L.J. Coster of Haarlem discovered it simultaneously. Even in the 17th century Haarlem took pride in this fact and had a printing press on their municipal medals and tokens. Nowadays, a statue of him still stands on the main square. Throughout the centuries, celebrations have been held in the city in Jubilee years; this medal by J.P. Braemt was fabricated for the 400th anniversary of his invention. Contemporary gilt tin/lead cast of Silver original.
Obverse: Torchbaring winged angel standing left, printing press behind, flanked by books and civic coat of arms - LAUS URBI LUX ORBI. - MCCCCXX-MDCCCCXXV BRAEMT FECIT
Reverse: Legend within wreath - SAECULARE IV TYPOGRAPHIAE INVENTAE HARLEMI A LAUR. JANI F. COSTERO - CELEBRATUM HARLEMI X JULII MDCCCXXIII.
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In celebration of Labor Day, we're offering 20% off all U.S. medals in our shop from 31 August to 7 September.
The fruits of hard labor are sweet… but these deals are even sweeter!
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