Augustin de Robespierre (1763–1794)

A radical Jacobin statesman elected to the National Convention in 1792 (and the younger brother of the famous Maximilien de Robespierre), Augustin is remembered for his organizational skill and his advancement of the young Napoleon Bonaparte's career. While commissioner on the Riviera, Augustin witnessed firsthand the crucial role played by Napoleon, then a mere artillery officer, in the defeat of the British at the Siege of Toulon. Augustin wrote to his brother, declaring the young soldier "worthy of rising merit," then promoted Napoleon to head of the newly rebuilt Army of Italy. This medal celebrates Augustin's role in the events at Toulon, particularly, as suggested by the fasces (a symbol of magisterial authority) on the reverse, in his capacity as a civilian commissioner, a position that granted him supreme authority over both military and civil officials. He was guillotined along with his brother, Maximilien, on July 28, 1794.

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