Description

Charles II. 1660-1685. Silver Medal n. d. (1660), 106.92 g. Restoration, 'Felicitas Britanniæ'. By J. Roettier. Bust, armoured and draped. AVGVSTISS . CAROLO . SECVNDO . P. P. Rv. Hercules, Minerva, Peace and Mercury standing around altar, Prudence beyond, and Plenty reclining in background. NVLLVM . NVMEN ABEST. In exergue: BRITANNIÆ. Plain edge. 63.3 mm. Eimer 214. MI i 460/54. van Loon II, 464,2. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1660-37. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Kleiner Randfehler / Minor edge flaw.

From the auction Spink Coin Auctions 36, London, May 1986, lot 1109.

Charles II (29 May 1630 - 6 February 1685) was King of Scotland from 1649 until 1651 and King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from the 1660 Restoration of the monarchy until his death in 1685.
He was the eldest surviving child of Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland and Henrietta Maria of France. After Charles I's execution at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, at the climax of the English Civil War, the Parliament of Scotland proclaimed Charles II king on 5 February 1649.

The Stuart Restoration was the reinstatement of the Stuart monarchy in England, Scotland, and Ireland in May 1660. It replaced the Commonwealth of England.

This medal represents, as the exergue intimates, a symbolical view of Britain after the Restoration when Fortitude, Wisdom, Peace, Commerce, Prudence and Plenty are all supposed to be united in making their offerings at the national altar. The legend perhaps intimates more than it expresses thus even Prudence, although she is placed somewhat in the background, is still present. The dies of this medal are kept in the British Museum.