SWEDEN. Gustaf V, 1907–1950. Medal 1948 (Gold, 35 mm, 32.25 g, 6 h), in memory of Folke Bernadotte. By H. J. Huguenin, Bern. FOLKE BERNADOTTE / 1895-1948 Bare head of Folke Bernadotte to left. Rev. LIGUE DES SOCIETES DE LA CROIX-ROUGE // IN / MEMORIAN / OUVRE / DE / SECOURS / GR 29.03 - OR FIN. Minor marks and struck from somewhat worn dies, otherwise, extremely fine.


Count Folke Bernadotte af Wisbourg, born on 2 January 2 1895, served as President of the Swedish Red Cross from 1946. In early 1945, he successfully negotiated with Heinrich Himmler to secure the release of Norwegian and Danish prisoners of war. During these negotiations, Himmler attempted to use Bernadotte as an intermediary to initiate contact with the Western powers. In 1948, Bernadotte was appointed by the United Nations as a mediator in Palestine to negotiate between Arabs and Jews. Tragically, he was assassinated by Zionist extremists in Jerusalem on 17 September 1948. Following his murder, this medal was struck at the Swiss Mint in the fine weight of a 100 franc gold coin.