Description

Commonwealth, 1649-1660. Silver Medal 1650, 26.36 g. Battle of Dunbar, Military Award Medal. Restrike of the 19th century. By T. Simon. Bust of Cromwell armoured and draped. A battle scene in the distance. THE LORD OF HOSTS . WORD . AT DVNBAR . SEPTEM : Y. 3. 1650. Rv. Speaker seated facing, in an assembled parliament. Plain edge. 29.2 x 34.9 mm. Eimer 181a3. MI i 391/13 note. Fast vorzüglich / About Extremely Fine. Mit Henkel und Stempelrissen / Loop attached, die cracks.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, August 1996, lot 4462.

The Battle of Dunbar, fought on September 3, 1650, was a decisive engagement during the Third English Civil War (1649 - 1651). It pitted the forces of the English Commonwealth, led by Oliver Cromwell, against the Scottish Covenanters, who had allied with Charles II in an attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy. The battle is remembered for Cromwell's brilliant tactics, the overwhelming victory of the New Model Army, and its significant impact on the course of British history.

The defeat of the Scottish Covenanters undermined their alliance with Charles II, though the conflict continued until the Battle of Worcester in 1651, where Cromwell decisively defeated Charles II's forces.

This piece was beautifully executed and was issued as a military reward for those present at the battle of Dunbar, 3 September 1650. The design of the medal was suggested by Cromwell himself in a letter dated "Edinburgh, 4 Feb. 1650", and addressed to the Hon. Committee for the Army. Thomas Simon was specially ordered by the Parliament to proceed to Scotland to take the effigies, portrait or statue of the Lord General to be placed on the medal.