An example of a medal that neither promotes nor opposes antisemitic bigotry but serves as a reminder of the consequences of religious intolerance is shown in figure 46.

In the mid nineteenth century the Belgian medallist Jacques Wiener engraved a series of medals depicting the most magnificent monuments in Europe. One of these commemorated the conservative synagogue in der Glockengasse (the Bell Lane) in Cologne, Germany. Funding for the new synagogue was provided by Abraham Oppenheim, whose name is mentioned in the Hebrew inscription on the medal. The inauguration of this magnificent, neo-Islamic synagogue took place in 1861.

 
Figure 46. Synagogue at Cologne Medal

Jacques Wiener, Germany, 1861, Bronze struck medal, 59 mm. Obv: View of the exterior. Rev: View of interior Hebrew inscriptions, translated on the right as, "Abraham Oppenheim Built a House of God for the People of Cologne"; and on the left as, "It was Rededicated on the 23rd of Elul. Remember that God is good.” Ref: Van Hoydonck #182; Reinecke 61; Eidlitz, 187/1109; Weiss BW656. (Image: Collection of Benjamin Weiss)