Définition

• Cross.  (1) A medallic item with several arms; often in the form of a crucifix. The use of a cross for a medallic item has wide appeal, mostly for its symbolism and talismanic quality. The cross was a crusaders symbol, it is the symbol of Christianity and the Christian religion; it has many heraldic variations including the badges of chivalrous orders, emblems of many groups and trademarks of benevolent organizations. Crosses are found on a variety of artifacts including costume and clothing, flags and banners, and are the devices found on many objects including coins and medals.
  The crucifix is the cross representing Christ, obviously known both with and without the full figure of Christ affixed. These cross-shaped objects have been cast in metal, but in the 20th century these have been diestruck in a variety of sizes, some quite large. Both forms of the crucifix are often made as jewelry items, particularly as pendants, and have been a popular adornment for Christians for centuries.
  The popularity of crosses have influenced both mint and medal makers. The Paris
  Mint has made over forty crosses and crucifixes by more than thirty artists. In the United States the Medallic Art Company struck a highly embellished cross by an Italian medalist, the Cariati Cross by Giovanni Gariati (1865-1915). Most medallic crosses are used as a pendant to be worn, or a plaque to be mounted on a wall, but there are also crosses as table medals as well (as is the Cariati Cross).
  This entry exemplifies the cross as a medallic item in a highly symbolic form. The
  next entry, cross (2), treats the cross as a shape in all its many forms (examples shown in the adjacent chart).

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

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