Having applied in vain to several distinguished numismatists respecting
certain bronze medals in my cabinet, which have baffled my own researches,
I now beg to seek for information through the medium of "N. & Q.," to which
I have been already much indebted; and have little doubt but that among
your many intelligent correspondents some one will be found to solve my
difficulties.
The medals to which I refer, and which I will describe very briefly, are
the following; and I am desirous of obtaining some account of the persons
in whose honour they were struck:--
1. _Astalia._ Size (Mionnet's scale), 16. "Diva Julia Astalia." Bust to the
left. Rev. "Unicum for. et pud. Exemplum." A phoenix rising from its ashes.
Probably not later than the early part of the sixteenth century.
2. _Conestagius._ Size, 15½. "Hieronimus Conestagius, MDXC." Bust in armour
to the right, with ruff round the neck. Beneath, "MART. S***." Rev. A pen
and a sword in saltire. An oval in high relief, of Italian workmanship.
3. _Meratus._ Size, 13½. "Franciscus Meratus I.P.F." Bearded bust to the
right. Rev. "Me Duce Tutus Eris." A figure seated holding a book in its
right hand. Query the meaning of the initials after the name?
4. _Aragonia._ Size, 13. "D. Maria Aragonia." Bust to the right, with a
crown falling from her head. Rev. None.
5. _Hanna._ Size, 18. "Martinus de Hanna." Bust in a gown, to the right.
Rev. "Spes mea in Deo est." A full-length figure, with hands clasped and
raised towards heaven: apparently a foreign Protestant divine.
6. _Corsi._ Size, 20. "Laura Corsi March. Salviati." Hooded bust to the
left, with crucifix suspended from the neck. Beneath, "MDCCVIII." Rev.
"Mens immota manet." Full-length female figure, with helmet on her head,
leaning on a spear round which a serpent is twined, with a stag by her
side. In the background, on one side, is represented a castle on a wooded
height; on the other, a vessel is seen labouring in a storm. A striking
medal; and the lady's portrait makes one feel interested to learn her
history, which seemingly ought to be known: but I must confess my ignorance
even whether the Marquisate of Salviati be in Italy or Sicily.