Description

George III. 1760-1820. Silver Medal 1772, 11.61 g. Death of Princess Augusta. Unsigned. Bust, wearing bandeau and draped. AUGUSTA PRINCESS OF WALES. BORN . NOV . 30 . 1719. Rv. Phoenix rising. A MUCH INJURED VICTIM. In exergue: DIED 8 FEB : 1772. Plain edge. 33.4 mm. Eimer 742. BHM 159. Vorzüglich-FDC / About Uncirculated. Hübsche Patina / Attractively toned.

Purchased from Spink Numismatic Circular, London, November 2004.

Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (30 November 1719 - 8 February 1772) was Princess of Wales by marriage to Frederick, Prince of Wales, eldest son and heir apparent of King George II. She never became queen consort, as Frederick predeceased his father in 1751. Augusta's eldest son succeeded her father-in-law as George III in 1760. After her spouse died, Augusta was the presumptive regent of Great Britain in the event of a regency, until her son reached majority in 1756. Augusta died of throat cancer at the age of 52 at Carlton House, and was buried seven days later at Westminster Abbey.