Description

George I. 1714-1727. Silver Medal n. d. (1705), 145.54 g. Marriage of Georg Augustus, Electoral Prince of Hannover, and Princess Caroline von Ansbach. By E. Hannibal. Bust, armoured and draped. GEORG . AVG . PRINC . ELECTORAL . BR & L. In exergue: FLAMMAE FELICES. Rv. Bust, draped. WILHEL . CAROL . MARCH . BRAND. In exergue: QVAS MVTVVS EXCITAT ARDOR. Plain edge. 65.42 mm. Eimer -. MI ii 277/82. Brockmann 861 (dort mit Randschrift). Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

From the auction WAG 25, Dortmund, February 2004, lot 884.

Prince George Augustus of Hanover visited the Ansbach court, supposedly incognito, to inspect Caroline, as his father, the Elector, did not want his son to enter into a loveless arranged marriage as he himself had. He immediately took a liking to her "good character" and the British envoy reported that George Augustus "would not think of anybody else after her". For her part, Caroline was not fooled by the prince's disguise, and found her suitor attractive.

On 22 August 1705, Caroline arrived in Hanover for her wedding to George Augustus, they were married that evening in the palace chapel at Herrenhausen. They reportedly had a successful and loving marriage, though he continued to keep mistresses, as was customary for the time. Caroline was aware of his infidelities, they were well known and he told her about them himself.