German Medallion Coin Pendant

Defined as a piece of metal, cast or struck, often coin-shaped, commemorative medallions are issued to honor a notable event or person. Cast medals were predominant in the 15th century, but by the 16th century this had largely been superceded by the die-strike method.

Medallions have ranked as works of art since Greek times; Roman ones are notable for the realistic portraiture. Many renown sculptors and painters were also famous as medalists, most prominently Leone Lieoni, Benvenuto Cillini, and Albrcht Durer.