Russia (France) Silvered Bronze Medal 1896 - Visit of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna to France, 5-9 October 1896

144.02g. 70mm. UNC/UNC. 

Paris mint. Marks on the edge: "BRONZE", cornucopia. 

Medalier: Jules-Clément Chaplain (J • C • CHAPLAIN on obverse truncation). 

Diakov 1212.1 (Ae - R1). 

Obv.: Conjoined bust-length portraits of Nicholas II in military uniform, with aiguillette, decorations on the breast, and sash across the right shoulder, and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna wearing a diadem, necklace, and pendant, both facing right. 

Inscription around: 

NICOLAS • II ALEXANDRA • 

(Nicholas II. Alexandra). 

Rev.: In the centre, a seven-line inscription; below, a bouquet of flowers tied with a ribbon; above, the State coats of arms of Russia and France. 

Inscription: 

VISITE • EN • FRANCE | DE • LEURS • MAJESTÉS | L ‘ EMPEREUR • ET • L ‘ IMPÉRATRICE | DE • RUSSIE | CHERBOURG • PARIS • CHALONS | 5-9 • OCTOBRE | 1896 

(Visit to France of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Russia. Cherbourg, Paris, Châlons. 5-9 October 1896). 

The visit of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna to France in October 1896 was a major dynastic and diplomatic event that publicly reaffirmed the Franco-Russian Alliance. The journey, which included Cherbourg, Paris, and Châlons, was marked by ceremonial receptions, military reviews, and large public celebrations, demonstrating the political closeness of the Russian Empire and France. In the broader European context, the visit strengthened the alliance system that counterbalanced Germany and its partners, while also symbolising Russia’s active role in continental diplomacy at the end of the nineteenth century.