68. Coronation, 1626. _Obv._ Bust of King r., crowned, &c.,
CAROLVS I. D. G. MAG. BRITAN. &c. N.B. _Rev._ Arm issuing from
cloud brandishing sword. DONEC PAX REDDITA TERRIS: in ex.,
CORON. 2. FEBRV. 1626. Gold. Size 1·2. Struck. By Nicholas
Briot.[7]
[7] Nicholas Briot, the chief engraver to the Paris mint during the
reign of Louis XIII., was the inventor of the balance for striking
coins. Before his invention all coins were struck by the hammer.
Briot first submitted his new invention to the authorities at Paris
in 1615; but it was not adopted till 1623, and then only temporarily,
when he was placed at the head of the coinage in France for that
year. The opposition experienced by Briot in his own country induced
him to submit his invention to the authorities at the London Mint,
where it was at once favourably received, and he was appointed chief
engraver from 1628—1633, when he returned to France and again received
employment at the Paris Mint. During his residence in England Briot
executed a large number of dies for coins as well as dies and moulds
for medals, all of which are gems of medallic work.
The reverse inscription refers to the determination of Charles to
assist the United Provinces in establishing their independence, and to
restore Frederick Count Palatine to the throne of Bohemia.
69. Dominion of the sea, 1630. _Obv._ Bust of King r., wearing
ruff, armour, &c. CAROLVS I. D. G. MAG. BRITAN̄IÆ, &c. N.
BRIOT. _Rev._ Man-of-war in full sail. NEC META MIHI QVÆ
TERMINVS ORBI. Gold. Size 2·4. Cast and chased. By Nicholas
Briot.
This medal was executed in assertion of the claims of England to the
dominion of the sea.