Medal presented by Bokassa I to important dignitaries attending his extravagant coronation ceremony as Emperor. Manufactured by Maison Arthus-Bertrand, the obverse displays a relief of the crowned emperor, encircled by the words "BOKASSA Ier EMPEREUR DE CENTRAFRIQUE" and the date of the coronation "4 DEC 1976." At the bottom, in a smaller font size, "REVOL. 1977" is engraved. The reverse displays the coat of arms of the empire, and the words "EMPIRE CENTRAFRICAIN."
Maison Arthus-Bertrand was founded in Paris in 1803 and continues to design and manufacture medals, decorations, jewelry, and regalia for governments and heads of state. In addition to this medal, Emperor Bokassa ordered a complete set of coronation regalia from Arthus-Bertrand, including a scepter, an imperial crown and a crown of laurel leaves (similar to Napoleon I's); a ceremonial sword; medals and grand collar; and Empress Catherine's jeweled tiara and crown of golden feathers.
