Description

James II. 1685-1688. Silver Medal 1688, 29.08 g. Landing of William of Orange at Torbay. Unsigned. An orange-tree, beneath which is Britannia armed, leaning upon a Bible on an altar and bearing on her lance the cap of Liberty. On the other side is a column, surmounted by the shield of England, crowned, to which is attached a scroll with inscription: BRITAN : ONTROERT . WET GEVELT . PRINC D'ORANGIE ONS HERSTELT. On the base of the column: 1688. SOLI DEO GLORIA. Rv. The Belgic Lion holding arrows and sword wreathed with laurel, rests one foot upon the Bible and tramples on the serpent of Discord. On the ground lies a prostrate column, inscription: MAG . CART. In the distance, a fleet approaching land on which are church and houses; above, TORBAY; in the field, BRITANNIA. IN TVITIONEM RELIG . PROTES. Plain edge. 43.5 mm. Eimer -. MI i 641/67. van Loon III, 355,2. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1688-26. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, May 1995, lot 3924.

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 obverse represents Britannia in possession of her religion and liberty under the protection of the Prince of Orange and piously ascribing her happiness to Providence. The reverse symbolizes Holland armed in defence of the Protestant Religion and the Magna Carta of England and indicates the landing at Torbay as the means employed for the purpose.