Description

Charles II. 1660-1685. Silver Medal 1665, 95.30 g. Charles II, Naval Victory against Holland. Unsigned. Bust laureate and draped. CAROLVS . SECVNDVS . D . G . MAG . BRI . FRAN . ET . HIB . REX. Rv. The King stands viewing a naval engagement from the sea-shore. PRO . TALIBVS . AVSIS. Plain edge. 62.4 mm. Eimer 230. MI i 503/139. van Loon II, 504. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1665-1. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Kleiner Randschlag / Minor edge bump.

Purchased from Seaby, London, October 1984, lot U226.

The Battle of Lowestoft, fought on 13 June 1665, was a significant naval engagement during the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665 - 1667). It was the first major battle of the war and resulted in a decisive victory for the English fleet, commanded by James, Duke of York, over the Dutch. The battle highlighted the importance of naval power in European conflicts and set the stage for future Anglo-Dutch rivalries.

This medal was struck as an honorary reward for those who had distinguished themselves in action and was to be awarded to officers of the rank of captain and above. These medals are deliberately without a date or special design so that they can be used on any occasion 'for all such undertakings'.