Description

Charles II. 1660-1685. Silver Medal 1680, 53.01 g. Duke and Duchess of York. By G. Bower. Bust of the Duke of York, armoured and draped. IACOBVS . DVX . EBORACENSIS . Below: G. B. F. Rv. Bust of Duchess of York, in gown and mantle. MARIA . DVCISSA . EBORACENSIS . 1680. Plain edge. 51.8 mm. Eimer -. MI i 581/256. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Kleiner Schrötlingsfehler / Minor flan flaw.

In 1680, James Stuart and his second wife, Mary of Modena, were the Duke and Duchess of York. Mary was just fifteen years old when she married James in 1673. She died in France in 1718.

They were central figures in the political and religious turmoil of the time. Their Catholicism and James's position as heir to the throne made them symbols of the broader struggle over the future of the English monarchy and the role of religion in governance.

James would eventually become king in 1685 after Charles II's death, but his reign was short-lived. He was overthrown in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, largely due to fears of a Catholic dynasty following the birth of his son with Mary.