Charles VIII, King of France (b. 1470; r. 1483–98)

The French king took Naples in February 1495 by accord—without siege or battle—and was crowned there in May, acquiring new titles inscribed on this medal. The reverse composition, showing Victory in the chariot and Peace before her could be read as a clever pun on the common saying that peace follows victory, as in the case of Naples peace was obtained without any battle followed by victory, but through a political agreement reached on February 22, 1495.

Source: Scher, Stephen K., et al. The Scher Collection of Commemorative Medals. New York and London, 2019.