Description

George II. 1727-1760. Silver Medal n. d. (1729), 37.59 g. Prince Charles and Prince Henry: Legitimacy of Jacobite Succession. By O. Hamerani. Bust of Charles, armoured and draped; a star before him in the field. MICAT . INTER . OMNES. Rv. Bust of Henry, armoured and draped. ALTER . AB . ILLO. Edge: DIE . XXXI . DECEMBR . MDCCXX . EXTVLIT . OS . SACRVM . COELO. 41.8 mm. Eimer 521. MI ii 492/34. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned.

The two Princes here represented were the grandchildren of James II, Prince Charles, the Young Pretender, and Prince Henry, afterwards Cardinal of York. The star intimates Charles's princely origin, and the quotation on the edge likens him to the morning star, which "dispels the darkness and the day renews", meaning that his birth would disperse the clouds which obscured the fortunes of his family. His brother, Prince Henry, was next in succession to the throne of England. This medal was probably executed about the year 1729 for presents to the adherents of the family. Prince Charles was born 31 December 1720.