Beschreibung

James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1687, 62.49 g. Spanish Wreck Recovered. By G. Bower. Busts of James II. and Mary of Modena conjoined. IACOBVS . II . ET . MARIA . D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX . ET . REGINA. Below G. B. Rv. Ship in an open sea from which men in rowing boats search for treasure from a wreck. SEMPER TIBI PENDEAT HAMUS. In exergue: NAVFRAGA REPERTA . 1687. Plain edge. 54.7 mm. Eimer 285. MI i 619/33. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nice toning. Minimal gewellt / Minimally wavy flan.

From the auction Spink USA 9800, New York, December 2001, lot 44.

This medal commemorates the salvage of a treasure lost with a Spanish ship off Hispaniola, in the West Indies. The attempt was begun by Captain William Phipps, with funding from Charles II. As the project was initially unsuccessful, James II refused to finance his activities, but Christopher, Duke of Albemarle, and some peers advanced the necessary money. When funds were nearly exhausted, Phipps finally succeeded and returned to England with roughly 300,000 pounds worth of silver.

These medals, struck by G. Bower, were given to the ship’s officers and the promoters of the venture. The king himself gave them to friends and favourites. The inscription encourages perseverance.