514. Marriage, 1761. _Obv._ Busts of King and Queen, as Greek
Sovereigns, jugate r. GEORG. III. SOPH. CAROL. M. B. F. ET H.
REX ET REGINA; on shoulder, A. _Rev._ Britannia burning incense
at tripod, and holding staff with cap of Liberty; in the
distance, ship. VOTA BRITANNIÆ; in ex., FELICI VINCULO IUNCTI.
D. X. SEPT. MDCCLXI. Gold. Size 1·65. By J. Abraham.[34]
[34] Jakob Abraham, b. 1723, at Strelitz, was appointed Engraver to the
Prussian Mint, an office which he held for over 50 years. He died about
the year 1800.
George III. married, 8 Sep. 1761, Sophia Charlotte, dau. of the Duke of
Mecklenburg Strelitz. The date is incorrectly given on the medal.
515. Coronation, 1761. _Obv._ Bust of King r., laur., in
armour, and cloak. GEORGIVS III. D. G. M. BRI. FRA. ET HIB.
REX F. D.; on arm, L. N. _Rev._ King in Roman dress, laur.,
seated l., crowned by Britannia; at her side, shield and
trident; on r., lion with orb. PATRIAE OVANTI; in ex., CORON.
XXII. SEPT. MDCCLXI. L. N. Gold. Size 1·3. By J. L. Natter.[35]
[35] Johann Lorenz Natter, a native of Biberach, Württemberg, settled
early at Florence, where he worked for the Grand Duke, and also under
the patronage of Baron Stosch, a famous collector of ancient gems, for
whom he executed intagli in imitation of the antique. It is also said
that he interpolated names on antique gems. From Florence he emigrated
to London, where he was liberally patronised by the Duke of Devonshire
and the Duke of Marlborough, and was appointed Assistant Engraver to
the Mint. Soon after the coronation of George III. he went to St.
Petersburg, where he died in 1763.
George III., eldest son of Frederic Prince of Wales, succeeded to the
throne 22 Oct. 1760. He was crowned 22 Sep. 1761.
516. Another. _Obv._ Bust of King l., in armour and cloak.
GEORGIVS TERTIVS REX. _Rev._ Bust of Queen r., draped.
CHARLOTTA BRITANNIÆ REGINA. NUPT. SEP. VIII. CORO. XXII.
MDCCLXI. Silver. Size 1·6. By J. Kirk.
517. Seven Years' War: Peace of Paris, &c., 1763. _Obv._
Two military figures (Mars and Austria) conducting Prussia
helmeted to Temple of Janus, surmounted by arms of Russia and
ornamented with various shields; within temple, Neptune and Sol
sacrificing; on step of temple, SVVM CVIQVE. ADES PAX ET TOTO
MITIS IN ORBE MANE. MDCCLXIII. I. G. HOLTZHEY FEC. _Rev._ Latin
inscription detailing treaties entered upon by the different
Powers at the end of the Seven Years' War. Silver. Size 1·9. By
J. G. Holtzhey.
The treaties which terminated the Seven Years' War were a compact
between Russia and Prussia, 5 May, 1762; another between Prussia and
Sweden, 22 May, 1762; another, called the Peace of Paris, between
England, France, Spain, and Portugal, 10/16 Feb. 1763; and the last,
called the Peace of Hubertsburg, between Austria, Prussia, and Saxony,
18 Feb. 1763.
518. Prosecution of the "North Briton," No. 45, 1763. _Obv._
Bust of Wilkes, three-quarters l., wearing robes of Lord Mayor.
I. WILKES ESQ^R LORD MAYOR. 1774. _Rev._ Axe and jack-boot with
head of Lord Bute. BRITONS STRIKE HOME. Copper. Size 1·7. Cast.
John Wilkes, Alderman of London and M.P. for Aylesbury, was imprisoned
under a general warrant for a libel on the King's Speech published in
the "North Briton," No. 45, 1763. General warrants being declared
illegal, Wilkes was released. The head in the jack-boot was a rustic
pun on the name of John Earl of Bute, Prime Minister 1762—3. The axe
suggests treason. This medal was executed when Wilkes became Lord Mayor
of London, 1774.
519. Captain Cook's Second Voyage, 1772. _Obv._ Head of King
r., laur. GEORGE III. KING OF GR. BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND
ETC. B. F. _Rev._ Two ships on sea. RESOLVTION ADVENTVRE—SAILED
FROM ENGLAND. MARCH. MDCCLXXII. Gold. Size 1·7. By Barnett.
In his second voyage round the world, Captain James Cook, the navigator
(b. 1728; d. 1779), commanded the Resolution, and was accompanied by
the Adventure. He left in March 1772, and, after visiting New Zealand
and passing Cape Horne, returned in July 1774.
520. Another. _Obv._ Bust l., in naval uniform. IAC. COOK
OCEANI INVESTIGATOR ACERRIMVS. REG. SOC. LOND. SOCIO SVO. L. P.
F. _Rev._ Fortune l., leaning on rostral column, holding rudder
on globe, and spear; near her, shield. NIL INTENTATVM NOSTRI
LIQVERE. (Hor. Ep. ad Pis. 285); in ex., AVSPICIIS GEORGII III.
Gold. Size 1·65. By L. Pingo.
On his return from his second voyage in 1774, Captain Cook was elected
a member of the Royal Society, and in 1776 he received its Copley medal
in gold for brilliant discoveries. This medal is by Lewis Pingo, who
for many years during the reign of George III. was Chief Engraver to
the Royal Mint.
521. No Popery Riots, 1779—80. _Obv._ Bust of Lord George
Gordon l., in broad-brimmed hat and coat. _Rev._ LORD GEORGE
GORDON. 1780. Copper. Size 1·15.
In consequence of a Bill before Parliament to relieve Roman Catholics
of certain penalties and disabilities, serious riots took place in
Scotland and England, 1779—80. These riots were stimulated by the
Protestant Association, of which Lord George Gordon was president.
522. American War: Paul Jones: Attacks on Scottish Coast, 1779.
_Obv._ Bust of Paul Jones r., in naval uniform. JOANNI PAVLO
JONES CLASSIS PRAEFECTO. COMITIA AMERICANA. DUPRÉ F. _Rev._
Naval engagement. HOSTIVM NAVIBVS CAPTIS AVT FVGATIS; in ex.,
AD ORAM SCOTIAE. XXIII. SEPT. MDCCLXXVIIII. DUPRÉ F. Copper.
Size 2·2. By A. Dupré.[36]
[36] Augustin Dupré, a medallist of some note, was for some time chief
engraver at the Paris mint.
In the autumn of 1779 Scotland was much alarmed by the daring exploits
of Captain John Paul Jones, who in command of an American squadron
attacked her coasts, captured numerous prizes, and even threatened
Edinburgh. This medal records the capture, on 13 Sep. 1779, of the
English frigate Serapis, Captain Pearson, by the Bon Homme Richard,
commanded by Captain Paul Jones, to whom it was awarded, in gold.
523. Defeat of Royal Forces at Cowpens, 1781. _Obv._ English
cavalry flying before American; Lieut.-Colonel Washington on
horseback l., commanding; above, Victory with wreath and palms.
GULIELMO WASHINGTON LEGIONIS EQUIT. PRÆFECTO; in ex., COMITIA
AMERICAN, DU V. _Rev._ Within laurel-wreath, inscription in
Latin, giving date of battle of Cowpens, XVII. JAN. MDCCLXXXI.
&c. Copper. Size 2·8. By B. Du Vivier.[37]
[37] Benjamin Du Vivier, son of J. Du Vivier, the medallist, b. at
Paris, 1730, was chief engraver to Louis XVI. He was afterwards
employed by the French Republican Government. Died 1795.
On 17 Jan. 1781, Colonel Tarleton, who commanded the British troops,
was defeated at a place called Cowpens by a force under General Morgan
and Lieut.-Colonel Washington, nephew of the Commander-in-chief.
524. Prosecution of the War with America, 1781. _Obv._ Bust of
King l., laur., in armour and cloak. GEORGIUS III. REX ANG.
_Rev._ Lion l., bursting his bonds. INDOCILIS PATI; in ex., IN
PERPET. MEMOR. MDCCLXXXI. Silver. Size 2·1.
This medal illustrates the determination of England to prosecute the
war with America to the "bitter end." The independence of the Colonies
was, however, acknowledged in the following year, 30 Nov. 1782, by the
Treaty of Paris.
525. War with Holland: Capture of the Island of St. Eustatius,
1781. _Obv._ Bust of Admiral Rodney r., in naval uniform. G.
B. RODNEY. _Rev._ Within oak-wreath, IN MEMORY OF THE GLORIOUS
3^{RD.} FEB^{RY.} 1781 WHEN S^R GEORGE PUNISH'D THE DUTCH &c.
&c. Silver. Size 1·35.
Holland having formed a secret treaty with the United States, a
declaration of war was proclaimed in London, and on 3 Feb. 1781
Admiral Sir George Rodney captured from the Dutch the rich Island of
St. Eustatius, in the West Indies. It was recaptured by the French in
the following year.
526. Action off Cadiz, 1781: Capture of the Castor. _Obv._
Ships on sea; one sinking. VIS VI FORTITER REPULSA; in ex.,
PROPE GADES. XXX. MAY. MDCCLXXXI. _Rev._ Trophy of three
shields, arms of Holland and of the Dutch ships the Castor
and Brill? surmounted by naval crown, anchors, and two flags
inscribed, P. MELVILL NAVARCHUS, and G. OORTHUIS NAVARCH.; sun
rising. ANTIQVA VIRTVTE DVVMVIRI; below, festoons with lion's
head in centre. I. G. HOLTZHEY FEC. Silver. Size 1·75. By J. G.
Holtzhey.
This medal commemorates the action on 30 May, 1781, between the English
ships, the Flora and Crescent, and the Dutch ships, the Castor and
Brill. The fight ended in the capture of the Castor, commanded by Capt.
Melvill. Capt. Oorthuis commanded the Brill.
527. Action off Dogger Bank, 1781. _Obv._ Victory r., holding
wreath and palm, on prow inscribed, DOGGERS BANK—PAX QVAERITVR
BELLO. V. AVG. MDCCLXXXI. S. _Rev._ Within laurel-wreath,
EXIMIAE VIRTVTIS PRAEMIVM; around, MVNIFICENTIA PRINCIPIS
AVRIACI. Gold. Size 1·4; with ring for suspension.
This medal was executed by order of the Prince of Orange to commemorate
the action off Dogger Bank, 5 Aug. 1781, between the English fleet
under Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and the Dutch under Admiral Zoutman.
Both sides fought with the determination of former days, but neither
obtained any actual advantage.
528. War with Spain: Siege of Gibraltar, 1782. _Obv._ View of
Gibraltar besieged. PER TOT DISCRIMINA RERUM. (Virg. Aen. i.
208); XIII. SEPT. MDCCLXXXII. _Rev._ Within laurel-wreath,
REDEN, LAMOTTE, SYDOW, ELIOTT; around, BRUDERSCHAFT. L. PINGO
F. Gold. Size 1·9. By L. Pingo.
Gibraltar had suffered a siege of three years, when the Spaniards
determined to make a supreme effort to capture the place by means of
floating batteries constructed by the French engineer D'Arcon. The
great attack was made 13 Sep. 1782, but failed, the batteries being
totally destroyed by red-hot cannon balls. The fortress was defended by
General Elliot, who ordered this medal to be struck for presentation to
the Hanoverian Brigade, which took part in the defence.
529. General Elliot. Defender of Gibraltar, 1782. _Obv._ Bust
l., in military uniform, wearing order of Garter. GEORGE
AUGUSTUS ELIOTT GOVERNOR OF GIBRALTAR. J. P. DROZ F. _Rev._
Hercules, with apples of the Hesperides and club, facing;
beside him, pillar, another beyond, the sea between; in the
distance, Gibraltar. FORTITER ET RECTE; in ex., XIII. SEPT.
MDCCLXXXII. DROZ F. Copper. Size 2·35. By J. P. Droz.[38]
[38] Jean Pierre Droz, b. at Chaux de Fonds 1746, was a pupil of Du
Vivier. He came to England about 1790, and was engaged by Boulton of
Birmingham on a new copper coinage. Returning to Paris about 1807, he
was appointed Director of the Mint, which post he resigned in 1814.
Afterwards, under the direction of Vivant-Denon and Jeuffroy, he issued
a large series of medals illustrating the great events of the Empire.
In this work he employed a number of engravers. He died 1823.
General George Augustus Elliot, Lord Heathfield, born 1718, entered the
army 1735; was present at Dettingen 1743; appointed Commander-in-chief
in Ireland 1775, and soon afterwards Governor of Gibraltar, which
he defended in the long siege from 1779 to 1783; created 1787 Lord
Heathfield, Baron Gibraltar; died 1790. The rock of Calpe (Gibraltar)
on the Spanish coast, with the opposite one of Abyla on the African
coast, formed the renowned "Pillars of Hercules," so called from the
myth that he tore asunder the mountain which closed the Straits.
530. Recovery of the King, 1789. _Obv._ Head of King r., laur.
GEORGIVS III. MAGN. BR. FR. &c. _Rev._ West front of St. Paul's
Cathedral. LÆTITIA CVM PIETATE.—DEO OPT. MAX. REX. PIENTISS.
PRO SALVTE REST. V.S.L. M. AP. 23. 1789; edge inscribed. Gold.
Size 2·1.
In 1788 the King was attacked with a violent illness, which terminated
in symptoms of lunacy. He recovered in the following year, and a
public thanksgiving was held at St. Paul's, 23 April, 1789. This medal
was "struck by order of the Patrons of the anniversary meeting, who
assembled with 5000 children on the happy event."
531. War with France: "Victory of the 1st June," 1794. _Obv._
Bust of Admiral Howe l., in naval uniform and cloak. RIC.
COMES HOWE VICE-ADMIRALLUS ANGLIÆ &c. BARNETT. _Rev._ Neptune
in sea-chariot l., presenting trident to Britannia, seated l.
on rock; in background, Victory r. inscribing obelisk with
names of Howe and the other commanders; ships in action. NON
NOBIS SED PATRIÆ; in ex., MDCCXCIIII. 1^{ST.} JUNE. _Barnett._
Silver. Size 2·2. By Barnett.
On the 1st June, 1794, Admiral Lord Howe, who commanded the Channel
Fleet, fell in with the French fleet off Brest, under Jean Bon St.
André. After an hour's hard fighting Howe broke the enemy's line,
capturing seven ships and sinking another. For this victory the Admiral
received the thanks of Parliament, &c.
532. Marriage of George Prince of Wales with Caroline of
Brunswick, 1795. _Obv._ Bust of Prince, three quarters r., in
civilian's dress, wearing star of Garter; around, border of
oak-leaves and ribbon inscribed, GEORGE PRINCE OF WALES, &c.
_Rev._ Inscription with dates of birth of Prince, 12 Aug. 1762,
and his marriage, 8 Apr. 1795. Silver. Size 1·8. By Whitley of
Old Bond Street.
George (IV.) Prince of Wales mar. 8 April, 1795, Princess Caroline
Amelia Elizabeth, dau. of the Duke of Brunswick.
533. Another. _Obv._ Busts of Prince and Princess jugate r.
GEORGE PRINCE OF WALES ET CAROLINE PRINC.; on arm of Prince, C.
H. K. _Rev._ FROGMORE. MAY 19^{TH} 1795; beneath, oak-branches
crossing. SOHO. Silver. Size 1·85. By C. H. Küchler.
This medal was struck upon the occasion of the visit of the Prince and
Princess to Frogmore after their marriage. C. H. Küchler, a native of
Flanders, was employed by Boulton at the Soho Mint, Birmingham.
534. War with France: Defeat of French fleet off Port d'Orient
by Admiral Hood, Lord Bridport, 1795. _Obv._ Bust of Hood r.,
in naval uniform. A. A. HOOD LORD BRIDPORT ADMIRAL OF THE
WHITE, P. K; on arm, HANCOCK. _Rev._ Victory facing, holding
naval crown and French flags, alighting on rock; in the
distance, ships. Inscription giving number of ships engaged and
captured; and in ex., 23^D JUNE 1795. Copper. Size 1·9. By J.
G. Hancock.
On 23 June, 1795, a portion of the Channel fleet under Admiral Hood
attacked a part of the Brest fleet under Vice-Admiral Villaret, off
Port d'Orient. The enemy was obliged to seek shelter in their port,
with the loss of three ships and 228 guns.
535. French Expedition to Bantry Bay, 1797. _Obv._ Within
wreath, FRIENDLY ASSOCIATION. BANTRY GARRISON; in centre,
crown. _Rev._ Ships in storm. AFFLAVIT DEUS ET DISSIPANTUR; in
ex., JAN. MDCCXCVII. MOSSOP. Copper. Size 1·55. By W. Mossop.
After the successes of Bonaparte, the Directory determined to make a
descent upon Ireland. The expedition, consisting of 17 sail of the line
and 13 frigates and transports, conveying 20,000 men, set sail from
Brest 19 Dec. 1796. The fleet was scattered by a severe storm, and only
a few ships reached Bantry Bay 24 Dec., and these returned without
making any attempt to land.
536. Engagement off Cape St. Vincent, 1797. _Obv._ Bust of
Jervis l., in naval uniform, &c. JOHN JERVIS EARL OF S^T
VINCENT ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE. BORN JANUARY 26 1735; on arm,
HANCOCK. _Rev._ Spain seated r. on rock, weeping, leaning on
shield; in the distance, naval battle. Inscription giving
number of ships engaged and captured; and in ex., FEBRUARY 14.
1797. P. K. Copper. Size 1·9. By J. G. Hancock.
An alliance having been entered into between France, Spain, and
Holland, a joint invasion of England was projected, and fleets were
equipped at Brest, Cadiz, and the Texel. The attempt was fruitless in
each case: the French fleet was dispersed at Bantry Bay (see No. 535);
the Spanish fleet was defeated by Admiral Jervis off Cape St. Vincent,
14 Feb. 1797; and that of the Dutch by Admiral Duncan off Camperdown,
11 Oct. 1797. (See No. 537.) For the victory off Cape St. Vincent,
Jervis was created Earl St. Vincent, &c.
537. Engagement off Camperdown, 1797. _Obv._ Bust of Duncan r.,
in naval uniform, wearing medal, &c. ADAM LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN
ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE. BORN JULY 1, 1731; on arm, HANCOCK;
below, P. K. _Rev._ Sailor nailing English flag to mast-head.
Inscription with date of engagement, OCTOBER 11. 1797, and
number of ships engaged; in ex., HEROIC COURAGE PROTECTS THE
BRITISH FLAG. HANCOCK. Copper. Size 1·9. By J. G. Hancock.
In this engagement with the Dutch fleet the English captured 12 ships
of the line, three of which immediately sank. Admiral Duncan was
created Viscount Duncan of Camperdown.
538. Another. _Obv._ Bust of Onslow, three-quarters l., in
naval uniform and wearing medal. SIR RICHARD ONSLOW BART.
ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE. BORN 23 JUNE 1741; on arm, HANCOCK. _Rev._
View of engagement, the fleets contending in line. SECOND IN
COMMAND OCTO. 11. 1797; in ex., IN THE MONARCH OF 74 GUNS BROKE
THE REAR OF THE DUTCH LINE & TOOK THE ADMIRALS SHIP. Copper.
Size 1·9. By J. G. Hancock.
Admiral Sir Richard Onslow was second in command at the battle off
Camperdown.
539. Victory of the Nile, 1798. _Obv._ Medallion with portrait
of Nelson, held by Britannia l., standing on rock near sea; in
her r. hand, laurel-branch; at her side, anchor. REAR ADMIRAL
LORD NELSON OF THE NILE. C. H. K. _Rev._ English and French
fleets drawn up in semicircle in Aboukir Bay. ALMIGHTY GOD HAS
BLESSED HIS MAJESTY'S ARMS; in ex., VICTORY OF THE NILE. AUGUST
1. 1798. M. B. SOHO. C. H. KÜCHLER FEC. Edge engraved, FROM
ALEX^Ṛ DAVISON ESQ^Ṛ S^Ṭ JAMES'S SQUARE. A TRIBUTE OF REGARD.
Gold. Size 1·95. By C. H. Küchler.
In the battle of the Nile, which was fought in Aboukir Bay, 1 Aug.
1798, the French fleet which had conveyed Napoleon and his troops
to Egypt was, with the exception of four vessels, either taken or
destroyed by Admiral Nelson, who for this victory was raised to the
peerage. This medal was presented by Mr. Davison to every officer and
seaman engaged in the battle: in gold, to the admirals, commanders,
and captains: in silver, to lieutenants and warrant officers; in
bronze-gilt, to petty officers; and in bronze, to seamen and marines.
540. Attempted Assassination of the King, 1800. _Obv._ Bust of
King l., in armour and cloak. GEORGIUS III. D. G. MAGN. BRIT.
FR. &c. C. H. KÜCHLER F. _Rev._ Lighted altar, inscribed D. O.
M.; above, radiate Eye. REGE INCOLUMI POPULUS LAETUS; in ex.,
A SICARIO SERVATUS. MAI. XV. MDCCC. Silver. Size 1·9. By C. H.
Küchler.
On 15 May, 1800, an unsuccessful attempt was made by a discharged
soldier, James Hadfield, to shoot the King, as he was entering his box
at Drury Lane Theatre.
541. Union with Ireland, 1801. _Obv._ Bust of King l., in
armour and cloak. GEORGIUS III. D. G. BRITANNIARUM REX FIDEI
DEF. &c. C. H. K. _Rev._ Britannia and Hibernia, with their
shields, &c., grasping right hands. JUNGUNTUR OPES FIRMATUR
IMPERIUM; in ex., I. JAN. MDCCCI. C. H. KÜCHLER FC. Silver.
Size 1·9. By C. H. Küchler.
By the Act of Union, 1 Jan. 1801, the parliaments and churches of
England and Ireland were united, and freedom of trade was established.
542. War with France: Battle of Alexandria, 1801. _Obv._
Bust of Abercrombie facing, head l., in uniform. SIR RALPH
ABERCROMBIE K.B. LIEUTENANT GENERAL. _Rev._ Britannia
reclining, weeping at base of monument inscribed, WOUNDED
MAR. 21. DIED MAR. 28. 1801; in the distance, battle. FRENCH
DEFEATED. MAR. 21. 1801. Copper. Size 1·55.
At the battle of Alexandria, 21 March, 1801, the French under Menon
were defeated by the English, who were commanded by Sir Ralph
Abercrombie. Abercrombie was wounded in the action and expired seven
days afterwards.
543. Peace of Amiens, 1802. _Obv._ King r., holding trident
and shield, crowned by Victory with palm. REGNO PACEM OBTULIT;
in ex., SUPER PACE RATA DIE 27. MARTII. HANCOCK. _Rev._ View
of St. Paul's. DEO GLORIAM REFERT; in ex., PAX CELEBRATA DIE
I. JUNII. MDCCCII.: K. & K. H. Silver-gilt. Size 1·9. By J. G.
Hancock.
The Treaty of Amiens, concluded 27 Mar. 1802, between England, France,
Spain, and Holland, restored peace to Europe. A public thanksgiving was
held in England, 1st June following.
544. War with France and Spain: Victory of Trafalgar, 1805.
_Obv._ Bust of Nelson l., in naval uniform. HORATIO VISCOUNT
NELSON K.B. DUKE OF BRONTE &c.; on arm, C. H. K. _Rev._ Naval
engagement. ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY; in
ex., TRAFALGAR OCT^Ṛ 21. 1805. Edge engraved, TO THE HEROES OF
TRAFALGAR. FROM M. BOULTON. Silver-gilt. Size 1·85. By C. H.
Küchler.
At the battle of Trafalgar the French and Spanish fleets under
Villeneuve and Gravina were defeated by the English under Nelson, who
was killed in the action. Twenty of the enemy's ships struck, and
Villeneuve and the two Spanish admirals and 20,000 prisoners fell into
the hands of the victors. This medal was presented by Mr. Boulton
to every officer and seaman engaged in the battle. It was issued in
silver, bronze-gilt, bronze, and white metal.
545. Peninsular War: Battle of Talavera, 1809. _Obv._ Bust of
Wellington r., in military uniform. ARTHUR DUKE OF WELLINGTON.
MILLS F. MUDIE. _Rev._ Victory facing, head l., giving wreath
to lion, but withholding another from eagle. BATTLE OF
TALAVERA. 1809. LA FITTE. MUDIE D. Copper. Size 1·6. By Mills
and Lafitte.
The battle of Talavera, 27 July, 1809, was the first of the great
victories of Wellington in the Peninsula. The French were commanded
by Joseph Bonaparte, Victor and Sebastiani, and the Allies by
Wellington and Cuesta. For this victory Wellington, then Sir Arthur
Wellesley, was raised to the peerage. This is one of the series of
National Medals issued under the direction of James Mudie in 1820, "to
commemorate the succession of victories achieved by British arms over
Napoleon." A number of English and foreign artists were employed in the
accomplishment of this work.
546. Lines of Torres Vedras, 1810—1811. _Obv._ Wellington
in military dress, seated l. within tent, and studying map.
FABIUS CUNCTATOR. PETIT F. _Rev._ Tagus reclining l.; behind,
orange-tree and tents. LINES OF TORRES VEDRAS—THE ENGLISH ARMY
ON THE TAGUS. 1810—1811. MUDIE D. DUBOIS F. Copper. Size 1·6.
By Petit and Dubois.
After the battle of Busaco, Wellington retired for winter-quarters into
the Lines of Torres Vedras, which he entered 8 Oct. 1810; a position
which Massena, who commanded the "army of Portugal," found impregnable.
Wellington is naturally compared to Fabius Cunctator, whose delays
baffled Hannibal.
547. Battle of Salamanca and Entry into Madrid, 1812. _Obv._
Soldiers advancing r., towards mountains, up which ascend
horsemen and military train, against whom Victory l. hurls
lightnings. JULY XXII. MDCCCXII. SALAMANCA. MUDIE D. _Rev._
Wellington on horseback l., receiving garland from Spaniards.
THE BRITISH ARMY ENTERS MADRID. AVG. XII. MDCCCXII. BRENET F.
Copper. Size 1·6. By Brenet.
After the battle of Salamanca, in which Marmont was defeated by
Wellington, the latter, hearing that Joseph Bonaparte was threatening
his rear, turned upon him and pursued him to Madrid, which he entered
12 Aug. 1812. The French garrison surrendered, and 180 guns with 20,000
stand of arms were captured.
548. Victories up to Salamanca and Entry into Madrid, 1812.
_Obv._ Head of Wellington l., bare. LIEUT. GEN. MARQUIS
WELLINGTON K.B. &c. &c. MDCCCXII. T. WYON F. _Rev._ Column
inscribed with names of victories, and ornamented with shields
of England, Portugal, and Spain; around base, French arms and
standard. ENTER'D MADRID AUGUST XII. P. W. F. Copper. Size
1·75. By T. and P. Wyon.[39]
[39] The place occupied in medallic art in the 17th century by the
Roettier family has been filled during the present century by the
family of the Wyons. This family is of German origin, George Wyon,
the first member who visited England, being a native of Cologne, and
forming one of the suite of George I., to whose person he was attached
as Chief Goldsmith. He is said to have died in the West Indies. His
son George was apprenticed to Hemmings, the goldsmith of George II.,
and in 1772 executed for the City of London a silver cup which was
presented to John Wilkes, the "Patriot." In 1775 he was engaged at
the Soho mint near Birmingham, and died in 1796, leaving four sons,
the two eldest being Thomas and Peter, who acted together as a firm
of general die-engravers in Birmingham till 1800. In this year Thomas
came to London, and was employed in the Dept. of the Engraver of His
Majesty's Seals, and of which Dept. he became chief in 1816. He died
in 1830, surviving by many years his son, Thomas Wyon, jun., who at
the early age of 23 in 1815 was appointed Chief Engraver to the Mint,
and who in that capacity executed, among numerous medals, that for the
battle of Waterloo (No. 576) and also the great recoinage of 1816. T.
Wyon, jun., died in 1817. His brother Benjamin was appointed Chief
Engraver of His Majesty's Seals in 1831, and executed among other
works the Crimea medal (No. 597). He died in 1858, and was succeeded
in his appointment by his son, J. S. Wyon, who in conjunction with his
brother, A. B. Wyon, engraved the New Zealand (No. 603) and Abyssinian
(No. 605) medals. J. S. Wyon died in 1873, and the appointment which he
held was given to his brother, A. B. Wyon. Peter Wyon, the second son
of George Wyon, after the departure of his brother to London remained
at Birmingham, where he displayed great taste in his designs and models
for ornamental brass-work. Before his death he had the satisfaction
of seeing his son William enjoying greater reputation than himself.
William Wyon, the R.A., was born at Birmingham 1795, and in 1815 he
came to London. In the following year he was appointed Assistant
Engraver to the Mint, and in 1828 succeeded Pistrucci as Chief
Engraver. In 1832 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy,
and in 1838 Academician, this being the first instance of a medallist
receiving such distinction. Besides the numerous coinages which W.
Wyon executed, he produced a large series of military, academical,
and private medals. He died in 1851, and was succeeded in his post by
his son, L. C. Wyon, the present Engraver to the Mint, who, besides
engraving a large series of national, colonial, and foreign coinages,
has executed the medals for the Second Burmese War (No. 595), for
Campaigns in South Africa (No. 596), for Service in the Baltic (No.
598), for the Indian Mutiny (No. 601), for Arctic Discoveries (No.
602), for the Ashantee War (No. 606), &c.
The victories in the Peninsula were Vimiera, 21 Aug. 1808; Talavera,
26—28 July, 1809; Busaco, 27 Sep. 1810; Ciudad Rodrigo captured 19 Jan.
1812; Badajoz captured 7 Apr. 1812; and Salamanca, 22 July, 1812.
549. War with America: Action between "Wasp" and "Frolic,"
1812. _Obv._ Bust of Capt. James Jones r., in naval uniform.
JACOBUS JONES VIRTUS IN ARDUA TENDIT. FURST F. _Rev._
Engagement between the "Wasp" and "Frolic." VICTORIAM HOSTI
MAJORI CELERRIME RAPUIT; in ex., INTER WASP NAV. AMERI. ET
FROLIC NAV. ANG. DIE XVIII. OCT. MDCCCXII. FURST F. Silver.
Size 2·55. By—Furst.
On 18 Oct. 1812, after a short resistance the British ship "Frolic,"
commanded by Capt. Whingates, surrendered to the American ship "Wasp,"
under the command of Capt. James Jones, to whom this medal in gold
was awarded. Silver medals were presented to the other commissioned
officers.
550. George (IV.) Prince of Wales, Regent, 1814. Head of Prince
r., laur. GEORGIVS PRINCEPS WALLIÆ PATRIAM PRO PATRE REGENS.
MDCCCXIIII; on arm, I. BARBER F. &c. No reverse. Silver-gilt.
Size 2·75. Plaque by J. Barber.
On account of the ill-health of George III., the Prince of Wales was
appointed Regent by a Bill passed 5 Feb. 1811.
551. Peace of Paris, 1814. _Obv._ Head of Britannia l.,
wearing crested helmet ornamented with lion and olive-wreath.
BRITANNIA. J. MUDIE DT. _Rev._ Hercules facing, wearing lion's
skin, trampling on French standard and resting on club. THE
REPOSE OF HERCULES. MDCCCXIIII. DROZ F. MUDIE D. Silver. Size
1·6. By J. P. Droz.
The defeat and abdication of Napoleon was followed by the Peace of
Paris, signed 23 Apr. and confirmed 30 May, 1814, between Louis XVIII.
and the Allies, Great Britain, Austria, Russia, and Prussia.
552. The Waterloo Medal designed by Pistrucci. _Obv._ Jugate
busts l., laur., of the Prince Regent, Francis II., Emperor of
Austria, Alexander I., Emperor of Russia, and Frederick William
III., King of Prussia; on either side, Justice l., and Hercules
r., seated; above, the Sun in quadriga l., preceded by Castor
and Pollux, and followed by Iris and Zephyrus; beneath, Night
in Biga r.; before her, the Furies; behind her, the Fates,
PISTRUCCI. _Rev._ Wellington and Blucher on horseback l.,
guided by Victory between them; Wellington gallops in advance,
and Blucher rushes to his aid; above, Jupiter in quadriga,
facing, hurling thunderbolt at giants arranged in circle,
PISTRUCCI. Copper. Size 5·3. By B. Pistrucci.[40]
[40] Benedetto Pistrucci, born at Rome 1784 of good family, his father
being Judge of the High Criminal Court at Rome, began at the early age
of twelve to study the art of gem and cameo cutting, and acquired such
proficiency that before he was sixteen his works were often disposed
of by dealers as antiques. In 1815 Pistrucci came to England, and two
years later, upon the death of T. Wyon, was appointed Chief Engraver to
the Mint, being immediately engaged on the new silver and gold coinage,
having for the reverse type the St. George and Dragon. For some time
after the accession of George IV., Pistrucci was engaged on a coinage
for the new reign, which, having finished, he was promoted in 1828 to
the post of Chief Medallist to the Mint, W. Wyon being appointed his
successor as Chief Engraver. From this period till 1849 Pistrucci was
engaged on the dies of the Waterloo medal, occasionally relieving the
monotony of the work by the production of a large number of gems and
medals, among the latter being the Coronation Medal of Victoria, a
medal of the Duke of Wellington, one for the Royal Humane Society, &c.
&c. He died in 1855.
This medal was executed in pursuance of an order given by the Prince
Regent in 1819, who desired to commemorate the battle of Waterloo by
the production of a medal of surpassing magnitude and beauty. It was
intended for presentation to each of the allied sovereigns as well as
to the two commanders, Wellington and Blucher; but this object failed,
as Pistrucci, who was directed to execute the work, did not accomplish
the task till 1st January, 1849, and Wellington then alone survived.
This medal has not been issued, as the dies have never been hardened;
but it has been reproduced by the electro process, of which the above
is an example.
553. Duke of Wellington, 1810. _Obv._ Head r., bare. LIEUT.
GEN. LORD VISCOUNT WELLINGTON K.B. MDCCCX. T. WYON JU^{R.} F.
_Rev._ Victory r., on mountain, holding wreath and palm; at her
side, shield, arms of St. George and Portugal impaled; at her
feet, broken French standard. T. WYON JU^Ṛ FECIT. Copper. Size
1·95. By T. Wyon, jun.
Arthur, Duke of Wellington, general and statesman, b. 1769, raised to
the peerage as Viscount 1809, created Marquis 1812, Duke 1814, d. 14
Sep. 1852. This medal was struck about the time of the battle of Busaco
and of Wellington's famous defence in the lines of Torres Vedras,
1810—11.
554. Sir John Moore, 1809. _Obv._ Head l., bare. LIEUT.
GENERAL SIR J. MOORE K.B. MILLS F. _Rev._ Soldiers defending
wounded comrade against attack of eagle with thunderbolt; in
background, prow of ship. DEATH OF SIR JOHN MOORE; in ex.,
CORUNNA. 16 JANUARY 1809. MUDIE D. COURIGUER SC. Copper. Size
1·6. By Mills and Couriguer.
Sir John Moore, general, b. 1761, served in the West Indies 1795, in
Egypt at the battle of Alexandria 21 Mar. 1801, and afterwards in the
Peninsular War 1808—9; killed at the battle of Corunna, 16 Jan. 1809.
555. Lord Hill, 1812. _Obv._ Head l., bare. LIEUT. GENERAL
LORD HILL, MILLS F. H. _Rev._ The river Tagus, over which
broken bridge; above, Victory flying r., conducting Britannia.
ALMARAZ. MAY XIX. MDCCCXII. MUDIE D. GAYRARD F. Copper. Size
1·6. By Mills and Gayrard.
Rowland, Viscount Hill, general, b. 1772, served in the Egyptian
Campaign 1801, in the Peninsular War 1809—1814, raised to the peerage
1814, commanded at Waterloo 1815, appointed Commander-in-chief 1828—42;
d. 1842. This medal records the destruction by Hill, 19 May, 1812, of
the French fortifications which covered the bridge of boats over the
Tagus at Almaraz, the only means of communication between the armies of
Soult and Marmont.
556. Sir Thomas Picton, 1812. _Obv._ Bust, three-quarters l.,
in uniform, wearing star of the Bath. LIEUT. GEN. SIR T. PICTON
K.B. _Webb._ _Rev._ General Picton l., planting English flag
on battlement. BADAJOZ. APR^Ḷ VI. MDCCCXII. MUDIE D. MILLS F.
Copper. Size 1·6. By Webb and Mills.
Sir Thomas Picton, general, b. 1758, commanded in the West Indies
1794—1797, where he was appointed Gov. of Trinidad; commanded in
Holland 1809, and in the Peninsular War, being present at the battles
of Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Vittoria, &c.; killed at Waterloo 1815.
This medal commemorates the capture of Badajoz, Picton and his division
leading the assault on the citadel.
557. Lord Lynedoch, 1813. _Obv._ Head r., bare. LIEUT. GENERAL
LORD LYNEDOCH. MODELED BY P. ROUW. MUDIE DIR. WEBB F. _Rev._
Greek warrior facing, head r., standing on battlements, holding
sword and crown; in background, city in flames; before which,
ships. S. SEBASTIAN. AUG. XXXI. MDCCCXIII. MUDIE D. MILLS F.
Copper. Size 1·6. By P. Rouw, Webb, and Mills.
Thomas Graham, Lord Lynedoch, general, b. 1750, served in the
Peninsular War 1809—1814, raised to the peerage 1814, d. 1843. This
medal refers to the capture of the town and citadel of St. Sebastian,
21 Aug. 1813.
558. Lord Thurlow, d. 1806. Bust l., in hat and official robes.
Copper. Size 3·1. Cast and chased. A Plaque.
Edward, Lord Thurlow, b. 1732, appointed Solicitor-General 1770,
Attorney-General 1771, Lord Chancellor 1778; d. 1806.
559. William Pitt. _Obv._ Head l. R^{T.} HON^{BLE.} WILLIAM
PITT. 1814. T. WYON JUN. S. _Rev._ Inscription giving date of
birth and death and recording public services. Copper. Size
2·1. By T. Wyon, jun.
William Pitt, statesman, b. 28 May, 1759, appointed Chancellor of the
Exchequer 1782, Prime Minister 1784—1801, and again in 1804—1806; d. 23
Jan. 1806.
560. Charles James Fox, 1806. _Obv._ Bust l., draped. CHARLES
JA^Ṣ FOX. THIS ILLUSTRIOUS PATRIOT DEPARTED THIS LIFE SEPTEMBER
13. A.D. 1806. ÆT^Ṭ 57. P. W. F. _Rev._ INTREPID CHAMPION OF
FREEDOM, &c. Silver. Size 2·05. By P. Wyon.
Charles James Fox, statesman, b. 1748, appointed Secretary of State
1782, Foreign Secretary 1783, and again 1806; d. 13 Sep. 1806.
561. Henry Addington, Viscount Sidmouth, 1803. _Obv._ Bust r.,
in court dress. HENRY ADDINGTON. CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER &
FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY. I. G. HANCOCK. _Rev._ Female figure
holding scroll, inscribed, STATE OF THE NATION, and kneeling l.
before pedestal, surmounted by figures of Britannia, Justice,
and Time; in the distance, Westminster Abbey. WHO CAN WITHHOLD
APPLAUSE; in ex., MDCCCIII. K. & K. Copper. Size 1·9. By J. G.
Hancock.
Henry Addington, Viscount Sidmouth, statesman, b. 1757, appointed
Speaker of the House of Commons 1789, Prime Minister 1801—1804,
President of the Council 1805, Home Secretary 1812—1822; d. 1844. This
medal refers to the peaceable state of England as well as of Europe in
1803, brought about by the Peace of Amiens, 27 March, 1802.
562. Earl of Liverpool (Lord Hawkesbury), 1803. _Obv._ Bust
l. ROBERT BANKS LORD HAWKESBURY. SECRETARY OF STATE. HANCOCK.
_Rev._ Female figure seated l., despatching Mercury, who holds
scroll; at her side, shield; sea and ship in the distance.
INTEGRITY AIDS DISPATCH; in ex., MDCCCIII. K. & K. Copper. Size
1·9. By J. G. Hancock.
Robert Banks Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool, b. 1770, became Lord
Hawkesbury 1796, appointed Foreign Secretary in the Addington Ministry
1801, Home Secretary 1804 and again in 1807, Earl of Liverpool 1808,
Prime Minister 1812—1827; d. 1828. Like the previous medal, this one
refers to the Addington administration.
563. William Wilberforce, 1807. _Obv._ Head r. WILLIAM
WILBERFORCE M.P. THE FRIEND OF AFRICA. _Webb._ _Rev._ Britannia
seated l., accompanied by Minerva and Justice, delivering
message to Peace; above, angel in clouds with cross and
wreath. I HAVE HEARD THEIR CRY; in ex., SLAVE TRADE ABOLISHED.
MDCCCVII. Silver. Size 2·1. By Webb.
William Wilberforce, philanthropist, b. 1759, M.P. for Hull 1780 and
York county 1783, procured a bill for the abolition of the trade in
slaves by British subjects 25 March, 1807, and survived the second
reading of the Emancipation Act 1833; d. same year. This medal
commemorates the Act of 1807.
564. Lord Brougham and Vaux, 1812. _Obv._ Head r. HENRY
BROUGHAM ESQ^{RE}, M.P. MDCCCXII. HALLIDAY F. _Rev._
Panegyrical inscription. Copper. Size 1·9. By Halliday.
Henry Lord Brougham and Vaux, statesman and orator, b. 1779; M.P. for
Camelford 1810, for Winchelsea 1816; appointed Attorney-General to
Queen Caroline, 1820; M.P. for York county, 1830; Lord Chancellor,
1830—1834; d. 1868.
565. Adam Smith, 1787. _Obv._ Head r. ADAM SMITH. 1787. _Rev._
Minerva l., holding cornucopiae and spear. Silver. Size 1·6.
Cast and chased.
Adam Smith, political economist, b. 1723, d. 1787, author of "Inquiry
into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations," "Theory of Moral
Sentiments," &c.
566. George Washington, First President of the United States,
1805. _Obv._ Bust r., in armour and ermine cloak. GENERAL
WASHINGTON. INSCRIBED TO HIS MEMORY BY D. ECCLESTON. LANCASTER.
MDCCCV; on arm, WEBB. _Rev._ American Indian l., with bow and
spear. THE LAND WAS OURS; around, panegyrical inscription in
three circles. Copper. Size 3. By Webb.
George Washington, Founder and First President of the United States, b.
1732, Commander-in-chief of the Continental army 1775, President 1789,
re-elected 1793, d. 1799.
567. Benjamin Franklin, 1786. _Obv._ Bust l. BENJ. FRANKLIN
NATUS BOSTON XVII. JAN. MDCCVI: on arm, DUPRÉ F. _Rev._ Within
oak-wreath, ERIPUIT CŒLO FULMEN SCEPTRUM QUE TYRANNIS. SCULPSIT
ET DICAVIT AUG. DUPRE ANNO MDCCLXXXVI. Copper. Size 1·8. By A.
Dupré.
Benjamin Franklin, American statesman, philosopher, &c., b. 1706, was
at first a compositor and printer, appointed postmaster of Philadelphia
1737, agent for England 1757 and again in 1764, signed at Paris the
treaty between England and America 1783, President of the Supreme
Council 1785, d. 1790.