Francis I. Battle of Marignano Silver Medal, "1515" (ca. 1845-60). Paris Mint. Commemorating the victory over the Swiss.
Obverse: Laureate, draped, and armored bust left;
Reverse: Trophy of arms, with spears and palm fronds.
The last major conflict in the War of the League of Cambrai, the Battle of Marignano (now known as Melegnano) pitted Francis, the newly crowned king of France, against mercenaries of the Old Swiss Confederacy. The war was itself a part of a series of skirmishes known as the Italian wars-territorial issues that saw various factions both against and with others at differing times, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Papal States, the Republic of Venice, the Duchy of Milan, and Spain. Following the success of Francis and his French forces at Marignano, the Swiss cantons signed a treaty of "perpetual peace" and France began its occupation of Milan. The two-day battle took place just one day after the 21st birthday of Francis.
71.3 grams, 53 mm
