Eeuwfeest van het Collegium Medicum te Berlijn, ter ere van Frederik II de Grote 1785

This silver medal was made by Daniel Friedrich Loos to commemorate the centenary of the Collegium Medicum in Berlin. The process of striking a medal involves a skilled artisan, meticulously engraving dies, or metal stamps, with a mirror image of the desired design. These dies are then used to impress the image onto a metal blank under great pressure. Here, the choice of silver matters; its inherent qualities of luster and malleability allows for fine details and a reflective surface. The medal's circular form and weight of just under 30 grams suggest its handling and tactile nature. The front depicts Frederick the Great, while the reverse shows a figure representing medicine. Medals like this were often commissioned by institutions to celebrate significant milestones, serving as both commemorative objects and symbols of prestige. Considering the labor involved in die-making and striking, this medal represents a significant investment of time and skill. By appreciating the materials, making, and context of this medal, we see beyond its immediate function, and recognize its intricate connections to artistic skill and social commemoration.