Johann Friedrich Blumenbach (1752-1840) earned a medical degree at the University of Göttingen in 1775 and became Professor of Medicine there in 1778. He spent his entire professional career at the University. He is considered the founder of physical anthropology and also taught comparative anatomy. Blumenbach believed that there are five races all originating from a single ancestor.
- Medal
Iron. Germany 1825. Signed. Lifetime. Struck on the fiftieth anniversary of his doctorate. Reverse commemorates his craniometrical researches.
- Size
49 mm
- Artist
Heinrich Gube (1805-1848), German medallist Heinrich Gube (1805-1848) German medallist and coin engraver, worked in the Daniel Friedrich Loos establishment in Berlin. In 1830, appointed as chief engraver and medallist at St. Petersburg Imperial Mint, where he worked till his death. He was known in Russia as Andrey Ignatiewich Gouin. (Forrer 2, 333; 7, 401)
- Obverse
In depressed circle, clothed and draped bust to left; around along edge from top, I.FR. BLUMENBACH NATO [letter "O" mising] GOTHAE D.11 MAII 1752 DOCT. CREATO [letter "O" missing] GOTTINGAE D. 19 SEPT. 1775 with rossette completing circle.
- Reverse
In depressed circle, three skulls (Caucasian, African, Mongolian). in a curve below, G. LOOS DIR. H GUBE FEC.; around along edge from top, NATURAE INTERPRETI OSSA LOQUI IUBENTI PHYSIOSOPHILI GERMANICI D.19 SEPT. 1825 with rosette completing circle.
- Ref
Freeman 65; Storer 398; Duisburg CCCCXXVIII-1; Nilsson 75 (except metal)
