1757 FREDERICK THE GREAT MEDALLION-BATTLE OF ROSSBACH AND LISSA

1757 Frederick the Great Campaign Medallion – Battles of Rossbach and Lissa

Commemorating Prussian Victories in the Seven Years’ War
Silvered Bronze | VF Condition | 48 mm

This dramatic campaign medallion commemorates Frederick II of Prussia’s twin victories at the Battle of Rossbach (5 November 1757) and Battle of Lissa (5 December 1757) during the Seven Years’ War. It was struck in Germany shortly after the events and is one of the most iconic pieces celebrating Frederick’s military genius.

Obverse

Depicts Frederick the Great on horseback, facing left, with drawn sword, riding past a military encampment, forest, and the town of Lissa in the background.

• Legend: “FREDERIC. DG. BORVS. REX. ET. PROTESTANTIUM DEFENSOR”
• Translation: “Frederick, by the Grace of God, King of Prussia and Defender of the Protestants”
• Exergue: “LISSA DEC. 5”

Reverse

Features a vivid battle scene from Rossbach, with Prussian troops routing French and Imperial forces.

• Legend: “QUO NIHIL MAJUS MELIUSVE” — “Than which nothing greater or better”
• Exergue: “ROSBACH NOV. 5 1757”
• Metal: Silvered Bronze
• Diameter: 48.2 mm
• Edge: Plain
• Origin: German States (likely Berlin or Nuremberg)
• Condition: Very Fine (VF) with light wear, good detail, and mild oxidation
• Price: £250

These twin victories were pivotal in the Seven Years’ War. At Rossbach, Frederick’s 22,000 men defeated a Franco-Imperial force of 42,000 in under 90 minutes, using rapid movement and surprise. At Lissa, he crushed a larger Austrian army, securing Silesia. This medallion celebrates both triumphs and Frederick’s reputation as Europe’s foremost military tactician.

A powerful piece of 18th-century Prussian history, ideal for collectors of Frederick the Great memorabilia, Seven Years’ War artefacts, or European military medals.

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Historical Note – The Battle of Rossbach, 5 November 1757
The Battle of Rossbach was one of the most brilliant victories of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, during the Seven Years’ War. On 5 November 1757, near the village of Rossbach in Saxony, Frederick’s force of just 22,000 men decisively defeated a combined French and Imperial army of over 42,000 troops. The battle lasted less than 90 minutes.
Frederick’s success was due to his masterful use of mobility, deception, and disciplined firepower. He feigned retreat, lured the enemy into a vulnerable position, and then launched a devastating cavalry and artillery assault. The result was a rout: the Franco-Imperial forces suffered over 5,000 casualties and lost nearly all their artillery, while Prussian losses were fewer than 550.
Rossbach shattered the myth of French military superiority and elevated Frederick’s reputation across Europe. It marked a turning point in the war, securing Prussia’s western flank and allowing Frederick to redirect his forces against Austria in the east. The victory was widely celebrated in medals, prints, and literature, and remains a textbook example of tactical brilliance.
This medallion commemorates not only the battle but the emergence of Prussia as a major European power, and Frederick as one of history’s great commanders.