Salvador Dalí 'Le Cheval de Course' (The Racehorse) 18K Yellow Gold Commemorative Medal
Commemorative Medal / Numismatic Art · Yellow Gold; characterized by a rich, classic golden hue typical of high-karat European art medals.
Purity: 18K Gold (750 fineness); 75% pure gold content with 25% alloy metals for durability and color enhancement.
Type
Commemorative Medal / Numismatic Art
Purity
18K Gold (750 fineness); 75% pure gold content with 25% alloy metals for durability and color enhancement.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold; characterized by a rich, classic golden hue typical of high-karat European art medals.
Weight
Estimated between 50 to 100 grams depending on diameter (standard issues for this series vary by size). Solid construction.
Description
A striking sculptural medal featuring Salvador Dalí’s surrealist interpretation of speed and life. The obverse depicts a skeletal, muscular horse galloping past a figure on a rail-trolley, surrounded by the French inscription 'DE NOUS TOUS C’EST LUI QUI EST LE PLUS SUR DE VIVRE' (Of us all, he is the one most certain to live), a quote attributed to Delacroix.
Key Features
High-relief surrealist imagery, Dalí's characteristic distorted proportions, and philosophical French inscription in a circular motif.
Color & Finish
Deep satin-yellow gold with mirror-finish fields; features high-relief (repoussé style) sculpture with frosted textural detailing on the horse and figure.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically includes a '750' or '18K' mark on the rim or reverse. Often bears the Dalí signature and potentially a foundry mark or serial number on the edge.
Dimensions Estimate
Likely 50mm to 70mm in diameter; thick planchet consistent with high-value collectible medallions.
Gemstones & Inlays
None; the value is derived from the solid gold content and the sculptural artistry of the relief.
Clasp & Closure
Solid smooth or reeded edge; designed for display in a presentation case or as a handheld art piece.
Chain & Links
N/A (Medallic art form with a circular solid edge).
Craftsmanship Details
Masterfully struck with multi-level relief; the contrast between the polished background and the textured subjects exhibits superior minting technique.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Dalí sculptural style; crisp, high-quality lettering; consistent 18K color; specific typography matching known Dalí medallic series.
Origin & Maker
France or Spain; produced by a fine art foundry such as Monnaie de Paris or a high-end private mint under license from the Dalí estate.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Surrealist (Mid-20th Century, circa 1970s); part of Dalí's 'Les Chevaux de Dalí' or related commemorative cycles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1980; consistent with the height of Dalí's commercial production of medallic art.
Cultural Significance
Represents the intersection of precious metal investment and 20th-century fine art; Dalí's medals were a way to make 'wearable' or 'holdable' high art available to wealthy collectors.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (Grade: MS-63 equivalent); minor surface hairlines and slight fingerprints, but maintains sharp details and original luster.
Value Estimate
Highly dependent on weight; includes a significant 'Artist Premium' of 30-50% over the gold melt value due to the Dalí provenance.
Care & Maintenance
Handle with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from causing patina; store in a non-reactive velvet-lined case; do not polish with abrasives to preserve the frosted relief.
Similar Items
Other medals from the 'Les Chevaux de Dalí' series, such as 'Le Cheval de Troie' or 'Le Cheval de Triomphe', usually available in bronze, silver-gilt, or 18K gold.
Interesting Facts
Dalí was obsessed with the concept of the 'dynamic horse.' This piece combines his love for classical art (referencing Delacroix) with modern surrealist themes.