Georg Christian Waechter; Voltaire (1694-1778); 1770; bronze; 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm.); After visiting Voltaire at his estate in Ferney; Georg Waechter produced the first version of this famous medal in 1769; which included the controversial inscription 'il 魌e aux nations le bandeau d'erreur' [He takes away from nations the blindfold of error] on the reverse. This inscription caused Waechter to be expelled from his position in Geneva and the original dies destroyed (few surviving medals of this version still exist). In 1770; Waechter re-issued the medal with the new inscription found on this example; simply stating that Voltaire's portrait was sketched in person at his estate in Ferney. Waechter's rendition of the famous Enlightenment writer's likeness received praise for its expressiveness. However; in a letter to his former secretary Collini in September 4; 1770; Voltaire expressed his disapproval; objecting to the 'long pointy nose' with which he was portrayed.