Romania 1922 Coronation Medal, Kristescu Design – King Ferdinand & Queen Marie

Main Description:

This is the official 1922 Coronation Commemorative Medal of King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie of Romania, designed by Romanian artist and decorated military officer Constantin Kristescu, honoring the historic crowning at Alba Iulia on 15 October 1922 — the symbolic unification of Greater Romania.

The medal is catalogued as Numista N#181068. It is struck in bronze, approximately 45.5 mm in diameter and weighing around 40.5 g, and bears Kristescu’s signature on the reverse. This piece represents the standard public issue of the coronation series and is believed to have been struck in Paris, likely by the atelier Arthus Bertrand, based on Kristescu’s known affiliations and the high-relief artistic style.

Specifications:

• KM#/Pick#: N#181068 (Numista)
• Country/Period: Romania — Kingdom of Romania (Greater Romania era)
• Ruler: Ferdinand I & Queen Marie
• Denomination: Commemorative Medal
• Year/Date: 1922 (15 October)
• Mint: Likely Arthus Bertrand, Paris (per numismatic report; not Bucharest Mint)
• Composition: Bronze
• Weight: 40.5 g (Numista verified)
• Diameter: 45.5 mm (Numista verified)
• Thickness: — (not confirmed)
• Edge: Plain
• Shape: Round
• Alignment: Medal orientation (↑↑)
• Mintage/Print run: Estimated 1,000–5,000 (no official mintage confirmed; see report)

Condition:

This example shows moderate high-point wear consistent with handling, especially on the raised portraits and coronation scene. No visible corrosion. Fields show light patina. Obverse legends fully legible; reverse remains deeply struck with visible Kristescu signature.

Condition note (in Hebrew):

מצב: מטבע סחיר עם שחיקה נראית לעין, בהתאם לגיל.

Shipping:

Ships protected in a hard archival flip and padded mailer. 30-day returns.

Brand Sign-Off:

Welcome to Treasure Trades — where every piece tells a story in metal.

Own a rare and historic medal marking Romania’s unification—only 1,000–5,000 believed struck.

Why Buy:

• Historic 1922 coronation issue celebrating Romania’s unification under Ferdinand I

• Designed by decorated artist-soldier Constantin Kristescu

• Estimated limited mintage between 1,000–5,000 pieces (expert report)

• Likely struck in Paris by premier atelier Arthus Bertrand

• Rich iconography of national unity, military symbolism, and royal legitimacy

• Rarely encountered in public sales, especially in intact condition

Sources & Citations:

Sources:
• Numista — Entry N#181068: “Medal, Romania: Coronation of Ferdinand I & Queen Marie (1922)” — accessed 21 Nov 2025
• Expert Numismatic Report: “The Constantin Kristescu Commemorative Medal (1922)” — Rabah Rizk, 2025
• Wikipedia — “Ferdinand I of Romania” / “Coronation of Ferdinand and Marie” — historical background only
• Lot-Art.com — Auction records of Kristescu coronation medals (Paris struck, R! and RR! designations)
• JHU Exhibits — “Hopkins and the Great War” (archival image of Kristescu medal)