Description

James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 80.20 g. Landing of William of Orange at Torbay. By J. Scheltzing. William III in Roman costume tramples upon the shield of France and holds up that of England; beyond, the disembarkation of his army. HANC EXTOL LIT, ILLAM DEIICIT. In exergue: ÆTERNÆ MEM : EXPED : PRINC : AUR : BATAV : ADIUVANT : AD LIBER : ANG . CLASSIS SOLVIT XI APPULIT XV NOV : 1688. Rv. Belgic lion wielding an upright sword rests a paw on a globe, on which the cap of liberty is wreathed in orange blossom, looks menacingly towards the sun marked with the fleurs-de-lis of France. MINATUR SOLI, SED FAVET ORBI. In exergue: LEO BELGICUS. Plain edge. 57.8 mm. Eimer 297A. MI i 638/63. van Loon III, 353,1. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-22. Fast vorzüglich / About Extremely Fine. Kleine Kratzer und Randfehler / Small scratches and edge nicks.

The Landing of William of Orange at Torbay in 1688 was a pivotal event in British history, marking the beginning of the Glorious Revolution. This invasion led to the overthrow of King James II of England and VII of Scotland and the establishment of William III and Mary II as joint monarchs. The event is often seen as a turning point in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in Britain.

On 5 November 1688 (a date later celebrated in England as Bonfire Night), William's fleet entered the English Channel. After being blown off course by a storm, they landed at Brixham, near Torbay in Devon. According to legend, William stepped ashore and declared, "The liberties of England and the Protestant religion I will maintain." William's landing was met with widespread support, particularly in the Protestant strongholds of the West Country. Many of James II's officers and troops defected to William's side, and key cities such as Exeter welcomed him.

The reverse of this medal symbolizes Holland whose Lion protects the liberties of Europe and threatens the Sun, the chosen emblem of Louis XIV.