Rare unissued Nobel Prize medal produced in an extremely limited edition circa 1902, struck from bronze by the Swedish Royal Mint, featuring the same design used on the Nobel Prize medals for Physics and Chemistry. These unissued medals were written about in the book by the Swedish Royal Coin Cabinet, "Nobel Medals" (Lars O. Lagerqvist, 2001), p. 22: 'A few were struck c. 1902, in silver, silver gilt and bronze for museums and collectors.' Designed by Erik Lindberg, the medal measures 66 mm in diameter (identical to awarded Nobel Prize medals), and weighs 108 gm (awarded medals are heavier, as they were struck from 23K gold prior to 1980). The obverse features a bust portrait of Alfred Nobel facing left, inscribed with his name in relief, “Alfr. Nobel,” as well as his birth and death dates of 1833 and 1896, “Nat. MDCCCXXXIII, Ob. MDCCCXCVI.” Engraved in the lower left with the artist’s name and date, “E. Lindberg, 1902.” The reverse features an allegorical vignette of the figure of Science unveiling the face of Nature, with the Latin legend in relief above, “Inventas vitam iuvat excoluisse per artes.” The tablet at the bottom is left blank, but would be engraved with the recipient’s name and date on awarded medals. In fine condition, with a few minor nicks and scratches.
