Description

Anne, 1702-1714. Silver Medal 1709, 25.54 g. Campaign of 1709. By P. H. Mueller. Bust, draped. ANNA . D . G . MAG . BR . FR . ET . HIB . REGINA. Rv. Mars and Hercules, leaning on shield each which have a view on the Battle of Malplaquet and MONS respectively, looking at a pedestal with a view of TORNICK. TVRRIS . CASTRA . MONTES VICTI. In exergue: VICTORIA PACIF . A : MDCCIX. Plain edge. 43.7 mm. Eimer -. MI ii 366/207. Forster -. van Loon V, 152,2. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1709-25. Fast vorzüglich / About Extremely Fine.

From the auction Münzen und Medaillen AG 533, Basel, July 1990, lot 171.

The War of the Spanish Succession was a European great power conflict fought between 1701 and 1714. The immediate cause was the death of the childless Habsburg Charles II of Spain in November 1700, which led to a struggle for control of the Spanish Empire between supporters of the French Bourbons and the Austrian Habsburgs.

Following success in the Siege of Tournai, the 1709 offensive in northern France culminated in the Battle of Malplaquet on 11 September; a nominal Allied victory, but one in which their total casualties numbered a quarter of their army. Although the French strategic position continued to deteriorate, the battle showed that their fighting abilities had remained intact and increased war-weariness in both Britain and the Dutch Republic. More significant were Franco-Spanish victories at Alicante in April, and La Gudina in May, which showed that a successful military solution in Spain for the Allies now appeared remote.

Hercules and Mars indicate that force and military skill produced the results of this campaign. The legend is somewhat a play of words. The Tower means Tournay, the entrenchments are those at Malplaquet, and the mountains are only to be found in the name of Mons.