Serbia Brass Medal 1889 - Anointing of King Alexander I Obrenović in the Žiča Monastery - Alexander I (1889–1903)

19.13g. 37mm. AU/AU. 

Medalier: Unknown. Inscribed: ИЗД M.A.M. 

Obv.: Uniformed bust of King Alexander I Obrenović facing slightly right. 

АЛЕКСАНДЕР ПРВИ, КРАЉ СРБИЈЕ, МИРОПОМАЗАН ЖИЧИ 20. Ј НА. 1889. 

(Aleksandar I, King of Serbia, anointed at Žiča, 20 January 1889). 

Rev.: Architectural view of the Žiča Monastery. At upper left — an inset medallion with a crowned portrait. 

СЕДМОВРАТНИ МАНАСТИР ЖИЧА ЗАДУЖБИНА КРАЉА СТЕВАНА ПРОВЕНЧАНОГ, САЗИДАН 1222. 

(The seven-gated Žiča Monastery, endowment of King Stefan the First-Crowned, built in 1222).

This commemorative medal was issued to mark the anointing of Alexander I Obrenović as King of Serbia on 20 January 1889, which took place at the historic Žiča Monastery. Originally built in 1222 by King Stefan the First-Crowned, Žiča served as the coronation site of medieval Serbian kings and was chosen to emphasize dynastic continuity and spiritual legitimacy. 

The reverse presents a detailed depiction of the monastery complex with a small medallion containing a crowned bust at upper left — possibly representing a saint or dynastic figure, though not explicitly identified. The inscription credits King Stefan as the founder of the monastery. 

King Alexander I was the last monarch of the Obrenović dynasty. He and his wife Queen Draga were assassinated during a military coup on 11 June 1903, bringing an end to the dynasty. They were buried in St. Mark's Church in Belgrade.