Judaica / Zionism - England, Medal Commemorating the Birth of Sir Moses Montefiore, Late 19th Century

Judaica / Zionism - England, Medal Commemorating the Birth of Sir Moses Montefiore, Late 19th Century An impressive silver or silvered medal, issued in England in honor of Sir Moses Montefiore, one of the most important and influential Jewish figures of the 19th century. Montefiore was a philanthropist, advocate and international Jewish communal leader, renowned for his many missions on behalf of Jewish communities worldwide and for his efforts in freeing prisoners, rehabilitating settlements and assisting those in need. Obverse: Right-facing portrait of Sir Moses Montefiore, accompanied by a Hebrew inscription: "סר (סיר) משה מונטיפיארע רכריב (ירחיב) רחמיו וחסדיו, יאריך ימיו ושנותיו בנעימים" Surrounding the portrait, additional Hebrew and Latin-character inscriptions. At the bottom appears the Latin transcription: "Geboren 24 October 1784" = “Born on 24 October 1784”. Reverse: A prominent heraldic emblem, accompanied by a German-English inscription: "SIR MOSES MONTEFIORE OBERSCHERIF VON KENT & LONDON" = “Sir Moses Montefiore, High Sheriff of Kent and London”. This medal was likely produced in Western European Jewish communities, perhaps in Germany or England, commemorating the legacy and activity of Montefiore while combining Hebrew inscriptions with European languages - a characteristic feature of Jewish medals of that period. Weight: 18.672 g Diameter: 38 mm