History

The Medal for the Expulsion of the English was instituted in 1451 by Charles VII and is the oldest of the French medals.

The Medal was awarded to celebrate the expulsion of the English from the last two provinces they occupied in French territory, Normandy (1449) and Bordeaux (1453), at the end of the Hundred Years’ War. It is thought to have been awarded to the most deserving Officers.

The obverse inscription in Latin translates to “When I was made they obeyed, without dispute, the prudent King, the friend of God, everywhere in France, except at Calais, which is a strong place,” and the reverse inscription translates to “I am composed of fine ducat gold, and was made to weigh 3 carats, in the year which you will see on turning me [over] and taking the numeral letters.”

It is not clear if the composition denotes the rank of the recipient.

There are at least seven similar medals that were struck from 1451-1460. They were all instituted by Charles VII to commemorate the expulsion of the English; the versions vary in composition, engravings, inscriptions, and typefaces.